Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in almond extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Roll into 1-in. balls.

Step 2

Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Coat bottom of a glass with cooking spray; dip it in sugar. Flatten cookies with prepared glass, dipping glass in sugar again as needed.

Step 3

Bake until edges are lightly browned, 7-9 minutes. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, almond extract and enough water to achieve glaze consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired; drizzle over cookies. Sprinkle with almonds.