Cookie Christmas Tree

Directions

1. 1
   Place almonds into food processor bowl fitted with metal blade.
2. 2
   Cover; process until finely ground.
3. 3
   Combine almonds, flour and salt in bowl; set aside.
4. 4
   Combine 1 cup butter and sugar in bowl; beat until light and fluffy.
5. 5
   Add egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, lemon zest and almond extract.
6. 6
   Continue beating, scraping bowl occasionally, until well mixed.
7. 7
   Add flour mixture; beat at low speed until well mixed.
8. 8
   Divide dough in half.
9. 9
   Shape each half into ball; flatten slightly.
10. 10
    Wrap each in plastic food wrap, refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm.
11. 11
    Heat oven to 350F.
12. 12
    Roll out dough, one-half at a time, on lightly floured surface (keeping remaining dough refrigerated) to 1/4 inch thickness.
13. 13
    Cut out 3 each of 6 graduated sizes of star-shaped cookie cutters (18 cookies total).
14. 14
    Bake similar sizes of cookies together on ungreased cookie sheet 8-12 minutes or until edges are just beginning to brown.
15. 15
    Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack.
16. 16
    Cool completely.
17. 17
    Combine powdered sugar and 1/3 cup butter in bowl; beat at low speed until well mixed.
18. 18
    Add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and enough milk for desired frosting consistency.