Combine butter and granulated sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl and beat together until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
1 cup salted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar
Mix in the egg and almond extract or vanilla extract until well combined. 1 large egg, ¾ teaspoon almond extract
Stir in the all purpose flour, mixing just until incorporated.
2 ½ cups all purpose flour
Divide dough in half.
Cover a cutting board or smooth surface with plastic wrap and press out half of dough into an 8 inch square.
Sprinkle sugar onto the dough in patches.
½ cup colored sugar
Use the plastic wrap to to lift and roll up dough - just like you would cinnamon rolls or sushi. Use the plastic wrap to roll the dough and form in into a log.
Repeat with second half and refrigerate dough rolls for 1 to 2 hours or until nice and firm.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Remove plastic wrap from rolls and cut log into ¼ inch slices. Place slices about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
Bake cookies for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges just turn golden. Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes and remove to wire rack.