Soft and Buttery Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Add the buttermilk (or milk) and mix until smooth.
4. Chill the Dough:
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
5. Shape the Cookies:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
   • Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these soft, buttery sugar cookies with a glass of milk or as a sweet treat for any occasion! Let me know how they turn out!