Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon chocolate extract (or additional vanilla extract)

Instructions

1. Whisk together the flour, cocoa, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg yolk and extracts.
3. Add the flour mixture and beat on the lowest speed until combined, to make a stiff dough.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes, until firm.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
6. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface 3/16 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until cookies are firm but not browned. Let stand on cookie sheets for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool.
8. Serve cookies plain or frosted.