Baked Holiday Sugar Cookies

Steps

• 1

  Make the cookies: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer), beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, milk, vanilla, and almond extract and beat until combined. Sift in the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt and beat on low speed until incorporated.

  Ingredients

  • 2 Cup granulated sugar

  • 2 Large eggs

  • 2 Tablespoon milk

  • 1/2 Teaspoon almond extract

  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 4 Cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 Teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 Teaspoon cream of tartar

  • 1/2  kosher salt

  • 1 1/4 Cup 1 1/4 cups ( 2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2

  Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disc. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours.

• 3

  When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 350°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

  350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

• 4

  Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place between two large sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use your favorite cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Gather and re-roll the dough scraps to cut out more cookies.

• 5

  Place the baking sheet on the grill grates. Close the lid and bake, rotating the pan halfway through, until the cookies are light brown, 10-12 minutes. Remove the cookies from the grill, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

• 6

  Meanwhile, make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer), combine the cream cheese, milk, and vanilla. Whip on medium-high speed until combined. Reduce the speed to medium-low and add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating between each addition until well combined.

  Ingredients

  • 3 Ounce cream cheese, softened

  • 1 Tablespoon milk

  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 1/2 Cup powdered sugar

• 7

  Frost the cookies and finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired. Enjoy!

  Ingredients

  •  Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish