Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

With a hand or stand mixer, cream together powdered sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

Add egg, almond and vanilla and mix until combined.

Sift together flour, soda and cream of tartar and add to sugar mixture, mix until well combined.

Divide dough into two disc shapes, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Roll out dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and cut into cookie shapes. Place on lightly greased or silpat covered cookie sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes. Remove and cool on cookie sheet. Frost with royal icing.

** dough can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days.