• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Using a kitchen aid, or large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Once light and fluffy add the almond extract.
• In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add it to the butter mixture and mix well.
• Using a cookie scoop roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Drop them 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Dip the bottom of a glass cup into a bowl of white sugar and use the cup to lightly flatten the cookies.
• Bake for 7-8 minutes or until cookies are slightly colored. Allow them to cool for 1 minute on the baking pan before placing them an a rack to finish cooling.

Glaze

• Add the confectioners sugar and almond extract to a small mixing bowl. Gradually mix in the water until you reach a glaze consistency. Add the optional food coloring if you wish.
• Drizzle the cookies with the glaze and top with sliced almonds.