# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg, room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
06 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Decoration
08 - Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles
09 - 2 ounces dark or white chocolate, melted (optional for drizzling)
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased if using nonstick sheets.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until fully combined.
04 - Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
05 - Fit a cookie press with a fan or star-shaped disc and fill with dough. Press cookies directly onto the baking sheets, overlapping slightly at the base to form fans of 3 to 4 cookies per cluster.
06 - Sprinkle with colored sanding sugar or sprinkles as desired.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden.
08 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate if desired and let set before serving.
