1/2 Cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 Cup (4 ounces) cream cheese
1 Cup granulated sugar
3 Eggs
1 Teaspoon vanilla + 1 teaspoon almond extract
3 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons baking powder
1/4 Teaspoon salt
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese and sugar till light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond. Stir in the dry ingredients. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and chill for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Working with one portion at a time, roll the dough out to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into your favorite shapes with a cookie cutter. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired.
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or till they're a very light brown. Remove the cookies from the oven, and cool completely on a wire rack.