Almond Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Additional sugar
• Glaze:
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 to 3 teaspoons water
• Green food coloring, optional
• Sliced almonds, toasted

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in almond extract.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Roll into 1-inch balls.
5. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
6. Coat bottom of a glass with cooking spray; dip in sugar.
7. Flatten cookies with prepared glass, dipping glass in sugar again as needed.
8. Bake at 400° for 7-9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
9. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract and enough water to achieve glaze consistency.
11. Tint with food coloring if desired; drizzle over cookies.
12. Sprinkle with almonds.