Italian Christmas Cookies

Beat butter, sugar, eggs, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon of the almond extract with a heavy-duty stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment on medium speed until completely combined, about 2 minutes. 

Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. With mixer running on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating just until combined. Cover and chill dough 1 hour. 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, shape dough into 1-inch balls, and place 1 inch apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. (Keep remaining dough chilled until ready to form and bake.)

Bake cookies in preheated oven until very lightly browned on bottom, about 10 minutes. Cool baking sheet on a wire rack 5 minutes; remove cookies to a wire rack, and cool completely, about 15 minutes. 

Whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of the milk, and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract. If needed, whisk in remaining 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach spreadable consistency. 

Spoon a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of frosting on each cookie, and spread with back of spoon; top each cookie immediately with candy sprinkles. Let stand until frosting sets, about 30 minutes.