Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups cake flour, 2 tsp. cornstarch, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes on medium speed or until light and fluffy.
1 1/4 cups cold butter, unsalted, 1 1/2 cups sugar
Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until the yellow disappears. Add in the vanilla and almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 tsp. almond extract (or just add more vanilla)
Gradually add in the dry ingredients on medium-low speed and mix just until combined.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Scoop the dough out using a 2 Tbsp. cookie scoop (and roll into balls in the palms of your hands if you'd like too) and drop onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. (Only bake 6 cookies at time, over crowding the cookies can cause them to spread)
Bake for 10-13 minutes, or just until the edges are lightly browned. The middles will look soft still, that's OK!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes then transfer to a rack to cool.
Meanwhile, make the buttercream frosting. Using a hand held mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it's creamy. About 2 minutes. Add in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, almond extract and salt. Beat on low just to get it combined the increase to medium-high speed until fully incorporated. Adjust as needed, adding more powdered sugar is the buttercream is too thin or a touch more heavy cream if too thick.
1 cup softened butter, unsalted, 3 cups powdered sugar, plus more as needed, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tsp. vanilla bean paste (or the seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean), 1/2 tsp. almond extract, pinch of salt
Frost cooled cookies, and top with festive sprinkles. Enjoy!
holiday sprinkles