# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg, room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
06 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Decoration
08 - Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles
09 - 2 ounces dark or white chocolate, melted (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased for nonstick sheets.
02 - In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated; avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
05 - Fit a cookie press with a fan or star-shaped disc and fill it with dough.
06 - Press cookies directly onto the baking sheets, overlapping 3 to 4 cookies at the base to form fanned clusters.
07 - Sprinkle colored sanding sugar or sprinkles atop the cookies if desired.
08 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies and let set before serving.
