Butter Cookies (Anna Olson's Butter and Spritz Cookies)

Step 1: Using an electric beater beat butter and sugar, beat until nice and fluffy

Step 2: Add egg yolk and almond extract, beat well

Step 3: Add 2 1/4 cups of the sifted sifted flour over the butter mixture with wooden spoon or mixer on low.(a wooden spoon works best for me) thoroughly incorporate the flour and form dough into a ball.

Step 4: Note, if dough is too sticky add 2 - 4 tablespoons flour - chill dough before moulding ( I cover bowl and chill in the fridge for 1/2 an hour) a chilled baking pan makes forming cookies much easier

Step 5: If using cookie press, press on sheet, wait a few seconds, then twist the press slightly as you lift it straight up

Step 6: NOTE: if dough is too stiff to press out beat another egg yolk into the dough - (moulding by hand you may need to use all of the 2 1/2 cups flour - flour hands lightly makes moulding by hand easier)

Step 7: If you don't have a cookie press form into 1/2 inch balls - push a cherry into the centre

Step 8: Brush cookies with beaten egg white and sprinkle with sugar; bake at 350 for 8 - 12 minutes or until golden around the edges. Cool on a wire rack