Ingredients:
1 lb. (2 cups) softened butter. (This is one recipe where you MUST use butter, not margarine. You will not have the same result with margarine.)
1 cup icing (confectioners) sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 tsp. almond extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp. salt
2 cup chopped chopped almond
1 tablespoon of grated orange zest or more to taste
Directions:
In the bowl, mix together the butter and icing sugar until they are creamy (you may use an electric mixer or with a hand-held mixer),
Add the vanilla and almond extract, mix to combine.
Sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
Stir in chopped almond and orange zest and mix to combine.
Place dough onto a surface dusted with flour.
At this point, you may need to use your hands to squeeze and work the dough together.
Shape into three or four rolls, each about 1½" or 3.5cm in diameter.
Wrap each roll in plastic and then lifting the roll by the plastic ends, twirl to close and form a nice rounded log.
Chill for at least one hour. (May be chilled overnight)
When ready to bake the cookies slice roll ¼ " ( 0.5cm) thick and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake in a 325-degree oven for approximately 18-20 minutes or until very lightly browned around the edges.
Remove to cooling rack. Cool completely before storing at room temperature, in an airtight container.