Almond Cookies

 Almond Cookies

1 cup butter softened

2/3 cup sugar

2 egg yolks

½ teaspoon almond extract

2 ½ cups all purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup sugar

 ¼ cup ground almonds

2 egg whites, slightly beaten

Slice almonds

Cream butter; gradually add 2/3 cup sugar, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in almond extract.

Combine flour and salt; add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Shape dough into a ball; cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

Use a cookie gun fitted with a flower or pinwheel disc to shape dough, following the manufacturer's direction.

Place cookies on lightly greased baking sheets. Combine ¼ cup sugar and ground almonds; brush cookies with egg white, and sprinkle with sugar mixture. Place a slice of almond between indentations of flowers, if desired. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.