Making the dough

1. Ahead of making the cookie dough, set out two full sticks of butter to soften them for about an hour (or use the soften feature on your microwave if you have that).
2. Once your butter is softened, you can then cream it with the sugar in a medium sized mixing bowl.
3. Add in an egg and mix well with a spatula.
4. Now, you can add in the almond extract.
5. If you are using food coloring, add a few drops at this point until it is a desired color (we use about 3).
6. In a separate bowl, sift together the other dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt).
7. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter/ sugar mixture until combined well.
8. Put in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Using the cookie press

1. The cookie press will come with great instructions and visuals.  Basically though, you will first select your design and shape ring and then assemble your press.
2. Next, load the dough into the canister tube.  It will take several pumps of the lever for the dough to come out.  Press the cookies onto a greased cookie sheet or one lined with parchment paper.
3. You can add sprinkles at this point, and depending on the design, you may need to press them into the cookies with your finger to prevent them rolling off of the cookies.
4. Bake the cookies at 400° F for 8-10 minutes or until the bottom edges are slightly brown.