I've added a photo of the decorated cookies. Here's the family recipe!

Butter cookies:

In a mixing bowl, with electric beater, cream 1 cup of butter. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 egg and 1/2 tsp. real almond extract. Gradually blend in 2 1/2 cups of flour. Chill dough for a few hours or longer.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters, place on baking sheets. Bake 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness. 

After cookies have cooled, frost with a simple glaze of powdered sugar, almond extract to taste, and enough water to achieve the right consistency (+ food coloring, of course!).