Almond Cookies

Almond cookies are a light cookie with a rich almond taste. Be sure to use a good extract though and, if you're concerned about the almond taste being diminished, substitute 4 tbsp of the flour with almond flour. But be aware this will produce a somewhat dryer cookie, so give it less baking time.

•  1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp butter or margarine
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cups sugar or substitute to equal
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp lemon extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt

1. Cream the butter with the sugar until fluffy.
2. Add egg and extracts and beat well.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. 
4. Add to the wet mixture.
5. Blend very well.
6. Shape into 1: balls and place 2" apart on an ungreased, parchment-lined, cookie sheet.
7. Press with a fork to flatten.
8. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned. Before they cool, press a couple of slivered almonds into the top of the cookie.

You can top the cookie with a light brush of almond-extract simple syrup and some slivered almonds as an alternative.