For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup ground almonds (almond meal or almond flour)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for decoration)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more for consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Red or pink food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix until incorporated.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the flour, salt, and ground almonds to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be soft but should hold its shape when pressed together.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add Sliced Almonds (Optional):
   If desired, gently press a few sliced almonds into the top of each cookie for added texture and decoration.
6. Bake the Cookies:
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Glaze:
   While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
8. Glaze the Cookies:
   Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops of the cookies. If you like, you can add sprinkles or additional sliced almonds for extra decoration.
9. Serve:
   Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. These almond heart cookies are ready to enjoy with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat for your Valentine!