1-First: preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, which builds a tender base for your cookies. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, until everything mixes into a smooth blend that adds rich flavor.

2-Next: in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda for even distribution. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet on low speed until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix. Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles evenly, so every cookie has that fun, festive pop of color.

3-Gathering and Shaping the Dough: Once your dough is ready, scoop 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls for uniform shapes. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to add a subtle crunch and sparkle, then place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. You can chill the dough for 1 hour up to 3 days before baking to enhance texture and control spreading.

4-Bake: for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft, remembering to avoid overbaking for that perfect chewy center. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and garnish with extra sugar or sprinkles if desired. This method not only creates delicious results but also ties into tips for keeping cookies fresh and enjoyable well after baking.