Chocolate Butter Cookies

Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl combine all ingredients except flour and cocoa. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 to 3 minutes).
3. Gradually add flour and cocoa until well mixed (about 2 to 3 minutes).
4. Shape rounded teaspoonsful as desired (1 inch balls, 2 to 3 inch logs, balls flattened, balls with indentations, etc.) or use a cookie press. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until set.
6. Cool.
7. Decorate with melted chocolate chips, melted almond bark, nuts, colored sugars, candied fruit, candies, maraschino cherries, etc.