Chocolate Butter Cookies

1. 1

   Combine sugar and butter in bowl.

2. 2

   Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.

3. 3

   Add egg and almond flavoring; continue beating until well mixed.

4. 4

   Beat at low speed, gradually adding flour and cocoa and scraping bowl often, until well mixed.

5. 5

   Divide dough into thirds.

6. 6

   Wrap each third in plastic food wrap; refrigerate 2 hours or overnight until firm.

7. 7

   Heat oven to 375F.

8. 8

   Shape dough with floured hands, one-third at a time (keep remaining dough refrigerated), into 1-inch balls.

9. 9

   Form balls into desired shapes (balls, squares, logs, etc.)

10. 10

    or follow variations as directed below.

11. 11

    Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

12. 12

    Bake 7-9 minutes or until set.

13. 13

    (Surface may crack slightly.)

14. 14

    Cool completely.

15. 15

    Decorate as desired.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.