Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 t almond extract
1 2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa

Directions

In large mixer bowl, combine sugar and butter. Beat at medium speed until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Add egg and almond extract; continue beating until well mixed (1 minute). Reduce speed to low; beat, gradually adding flour and cocoa, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes).

Divide dough into thirds. Wrap each third in waxed paper; refrigerate until firm (1 to 2 hours).

Heat oven to 375 F. With floured hands, shape dough, one third at a time(keep remaining dough refrigerated) into 1-inch balls. Form balls into desired shapes (balls, squares, logs, etc.) or use cookie press*. Place 1-inch apart on cookie sheet. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until set (surface may crack slightly). Cool. Decorate as desired.

Note: If using cookie press, dough does not need to be chilled.