LAND O'LAKES HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE BUTTER COOKIES

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

In large bowl, combine all ingredients EXCEPT flour and cocoa. Beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and cocoa until well mixed. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls as desired (1-inch balls, 2-3-inch logs, balls flattened, balls with indentations - fill with frosting or jam before serving - etc.) or use cookie press. Place 1-inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 7-9 minutes or until set.

Decorate with melted chocolate chips, melted almond bark, nuts, colored sugars, candied fruit, candies, maraschino cherries, etc.

Makes 36