Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies

My dad used to make these and put a maraschino cherry in the middle of this. I think we used to call this "Thumbprint cookies" because he'd spoon the dough, push down with his thumb in the middle of the dough, and add a cherry (can't remember if it was after or before he cooked them, though!). All I remember was the almond extract flavor coming through- it was delicious!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup softened butter
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl combine all ingredient except flour and cocoa. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 min.). Shape rounded teaspoonfuls as desired (1" balls, 2"-3" logs, balls flattened, balls with indentations, etc) or use cookie press. Place 1" apart on cookie sheets. Bake for 7-9 min. or until set. Cool. Decorate with melted chocolate chips, melted almond bark, nuts, colored sugar candied fruit, candies, maraschino cherries, etc. YIELD: 3 dozen.