1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy.

3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, then mix until smooth.

4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

5. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thick and cut into Grinch face or round shapes.

8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.

9. Cool the cookies on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. In a bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring to make the base icing.

11. Spread or flood the tops of the cooled cookies with the green icing and let it begin to set.

12. Prepare thicker piping icing with the extra powdered sugar and a small amount of milk if needed.

13. Pipe white eyes, black pupils, a black nose, a curved smile, and arched eyebrows to create the Grinch face.

14. Pipe a red Santa hat at the top of each cookie, then add a white brim and pom-pom.

15. Let the decorated cookies dry completely before serving or storing.