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#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**: Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, and **baking powder**. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large bowl, cream together the softened **butter** and **granulated sugar** using an electric mixer or a whisk until light and fluffy. This step is important for getting that soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
4. **Add Egg and Extracts**: Beat in the **egg**, **vanilla extract**, and **almond extract** (if using). Mix until fully combined.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Shape the Cookies**: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the extra sugar, then place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
7. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for **8-10 minutes** or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. For a crispier texture, bake them a little longer. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
8. **Cool and Decorate**: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with **colored sprinkles** or **sugar crystals** for a festive touch.
#### Tips for Perfect Cookies:
– **Chill the Dough**: If you prefer a firmer cookie or want to make the dough ahead of time, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
– **Decorate with Love**: Use your favorite sprinkles or icing to make each cookie unique. Let the kids help decorate for added fun and holiday cheer!
– **Store in an Airtight Container**: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly. They also make great gifts for friends and neighbors!
### Create New Traditions with Your Family
Even though Nana’s recipe might be a thing of the past, you can keep her tradition alive by making her recipe (or your own version) a part of your family’s Christmas celebration. Cooking together in the kitchen, sharing stories, and enjoying the fruits of your labor are all ways to create new memories with your loved ones.
### Why You Should Make Nana’s Recipe This Christmas
– **It Brings Family Together**: Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your immediate family, food has a way of bringing people together, making the holidays even more special.
– **Keeps the Memory Alive**: By preparing Nana’s recipe every year, you honor her legacy and keep her memory alive, passing on the love and tradition to the next generation.
– **It’s a Heartwarming Tradition**: Nothing says “Christmas” like the smell of a family recipe filling the house. It’s a reminder of the past and a way to celebrate the present.
Whether it’s a **sweet dessert**, a savory dish, or a unique family creation, **Nana’s Christmas recipe** is more than just food—it’s a way to celebrate **love**, **tradition**, and the **joy of being together** during the most wonderful time of the year.
This Christmas, take a moment to recreate the magic and make a new tradition for your family to enjoy for years to come. With **Nana’s recipe** as your guide, it will surely be a hit!
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