Ingredients:
For the cookies:
1 cup butter
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 c flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Frosting:
3 ounces egg whites
1 teaspoon almond extract
4 cups powedered sugar

Cookies:
1. Mix together thoroughly the butter, the sugar, the egg, and the vanilla and almond extract.  Blend in the flour, the baking soda, and the cream of tartar. Cover the dough and chill for 2 to 3 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 375 F.  Divide dough in half.  Roll each half 3/16" thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 7 to 8 minutes until just golden on the edges. Let cool before frosting.

Frosting:
1. In a bowl combine the egg whites and vanilla and beat until frothy with a mixer.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually and mix on low speed until sugar is incorporated and mixture is shiny. Turn speed up to high and beat until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. This should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Add food coloring, if desired. For immediate use, transfer icing to pastry bag or heavy duty storage bag and pipe as desired. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frosting cookies:
1. Begin by piping an outline of white icing around the edge. Let dry for a couple minutes.

2. Then flood the center of the cookie with white icing to create a smooth white frosted cookie.

3. Immediately pipe a red or blue dot on the cookie in the center. Then pipe concentric circles around the center dot.

4. Using a toothpick or skewer, drag from the center dot of the cookie to the outer edge. Then drag from the the outer edge to the center of the cookie. Continue to do this all around the cookie to create the bursts of color. See pictures below.

Makes 2-3 dozen cookies. Enjoy!

Sourced and adapted from: Betty Crocker, the Food Network, and Martha Stewart

Flooding cookie

Drawing concentric circles

Dragging skewer/toothpick to outer edge

Dragging skewer/toothpick to center