Almond Butter Sticks

1-1/2 cups sugar
4-1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup butter, softened
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt

Oven 400 degrees 72 cookies

Combine sugar and almond extract; set aside. In large mixing bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, flour, baking powder and salt. Blend at low speed until a dough forms. Knead on floured surface until smooth.

Divide in half; roll out each to a 16x9 inch rectangle. Sprinkle each rectangle with 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar mixture. For each rectangle, fold one end of dough over center. Fold other end over to make 3 layers. Turning dough a quarter way around, repeat rolling and folding 2 more times, sprinkling with 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar mixture each time. Roll out again to a 18x9 inch rectangles. Cut into 3x1-1/2 inch strips. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 400 for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets immediately. Cool.