Yields: 36 cookies

Prep Time: 10 min

Baking Time: 8 min

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar plus extra for sprinkling
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup whole shelled almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, combine 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, butter, egg, water, and almond extract; blend well. Gradually add flour, blending on low speed until well mixed.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten balls slightly with a glass then evenly sprinkle with sugar; press a whole almond firmly into center of each cookie.

4. Bake 8 to 12 minutes, or until firm to the touch but not brown. Do not overbake. Immediately remove from baking sheets and cool on wire racks.