Candied Fruit Topped Spiced Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• Makes 24 cookies
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon ginger powder
• 1 whole egg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cup candied fruit, cut into small pieces. (optional)

Directions

1. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and ginger. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl combine the egg, sugar, almond extract and butter. Using a mixer, beat on medium speed until creamy. Add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
5. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
6. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough so that it is 1/4 inch thick.
7. Press cookie cutters into the dough. Place cookie cut-outs onto the prepared baking sheets and decorate with candied fruit (optional).
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to get slightly brown.
9. Repeat this process with the rest of the dough until baked.