Beat butter in electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add 1 cup of flour, the sugar, egg, baking powder, vanilla, and if desired, almond extract. Beat till thouroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour.

Force unchilled dough through a cookie press onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or till edges are firm but not brown. Cool cookies on a wire rack. If desired, dip tops into icing, then sprinkle with chopped nuts or colored sugar. Makes about 84 cookies.