These cookies will make your house smell like Christmas while baking and will please young and old when served. Spices, citrus zest and a crackled top with sugar coating—these treats meld all the holiday flavors into one delicious whole.

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (no substitutions)
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Additional sugar for rolling cookies

1. Cream butter, shortening and sugars thoroughly in a large bowl. Add egg and extracts; mix well.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, nutmeg, salt and zests. Add by heaping spoonfuls into butter and sugar mixture and stir until combined (or use the low setting on an electric mixer).

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put about 1/2 cup sugar into a bowl. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes or until cracked and very lightly browned.

Makes 6 dozen cookies.