Creating Italian Butter Cookies is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form small balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten Cookies: Gently press each cookie down with a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly.
8. Decorate: If desired, sprinkle colored sprinkles or drizzle chocolate on top of each cookie.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These steps will guide you in creating delicious Italian Butter Cookies that will impress everyone around you.