Almond Glazed Sugar Cookies

A perennial Christmas favorite, this cookie is simple, yet delicious. It also makes a wonderful cookie for a bridal shower or tea.

OVEN: 400 degrees

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Combine butter, sugar and almond extract in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy (1-2 minutes). Reduce speed to low; add all remaining ingredients. Beat until well mixed (another 1-2 minutes).

Roll dough into 1 inch balls; place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Flatten balls to 1/4 inch thickness with bottom of a buttered glass dipped in sugar. Bake for 7-9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.

GLAZE:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
4-5 teaspoons water
Sliced almonds

Stir together all glaze ingredients in small bowl with wire whisk. Decorate cooled cookies with glaze and sliced almonds.

Makes: 3 1/2 dozen cookies.