Combine 2 1/2 cups of flour 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda, set aside.
in mixer bowl, combine 3/4 c softened butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. (3 minutes or so)
Add 1/2 tsp. almond extract and 1 large egg. Beat to combine
Gradually add flour mixture and mix until blended. (5-6 minutes)
Gather dough into ball, flatten into round disk. Wrap and then refrigerate 2 hours or up to 2 days.
Once you've refrigerated roll out dough on floured surface, cut out cookies with cookie cutters and bake 6 minutes on 350 degrees F. (or longer depending how soft or hard you want them) Let cool before decorating.