Nutty Almond Trees

Directions

1. 1
   Combine 1 cup butter and sugar in large bowl.
2. 2
   Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
3. 3
   Add egg and 1 teaspoon almond extract; continue beating until well mixed.
4. 4
   Reduce speed to low; add all remaining cookie ingredients.
5. 5
   Beat until well mixed.
6. 6
   Divide dough in half; flatten slightly.
7. 7
   Wrap each half in plastic food wrap.
8. 8
   Refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour).
9. 9
   Heat oven to 375F.
10. 10
    Roll out dough, one-half at a time on lightly floured surface (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/8-inch thickness.
11. 11
    Cut with 3-inch tree cookie cutter.
12. 12
    Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
13. 13
    Bake for 6 to 7 minutes or just until edges begin to lightly brown.
14. 14
    Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet.
15. 15
    Remove to wire cooling rack.
16. 16
    Cool completely.
17. 17
    Combine powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon almond extract in small bowl.
18. 18
    Beat at low speed until well mixed.
19. 19
    Continue beating, adding enough water for desired glazing consistency.
20. 20
    Frost 1 cookie at a time; immediately sprinkle each with nut topping and decorator sugars, if desired.
21. 21
    *Substitute 1 cup finely chopped toasted mixed nuts such as almonds, peanuts, cashews etc.