Step-by-Step Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract, and ½ teaspoon salt to the creamed mixture, beating until well combined.
• Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Optionally, fold in 1 cup chocolate chips.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Remove dough from the refrigerator, roll into 1-inch balls, and place on baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Press down on each ball and sprinkle with decorative sugar if desired.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft.
• Cool cookies on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
• Arrange cooled cookies in a decorative box or gift tin, layering with parchment paper.