Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies

1/2 c Sugar

3/4 c Butter; softened

1 Egg yolk

1 ts Almond extract

1 1/2 c All-purpose flour

1/4 c Unsweetened cocoa powder

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl combine all ingredients except flour and cocoa. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 min.). Gradually add flour and cocoa until well mixed (2-3 min.). Shape rounded teaspoonfuls as desired (1" balls, 2"-3" logs, blls flattened, balls with indentations, etc.) or use cookie press. Place 1" apart on cookie sheets. Bake for 7-9 minutes or until set. Cool. Decorate with melted chocolate chips, melted almond bark, nuts, colored sugars, candied fruit, candies, maraschino cherries, etc. -----