2 1/2 c. flour
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. almond if desired

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla and almond flavoring, beat until fluffy. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together. Stir into creamed mixture. Gather dough into a ball, press together and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until ready to use. Press dough onto ungreased cookie sheet. If desired, press candied cherries in the center of cookie, or sprinkle sugar. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool.