Directions

1. In large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat 1 cup butter or margarine with 1/2 cup sugar, almond extract, and food coloring until light and fluffy. With wooden spoon, stir in 2 1/2 cups flour until smooth and well combined. Divide dough into 2 parts. Refrigerate, covered, 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
3. On lightly sugared surface, roll out dough, one part at a time, about 1/4- inch thick. Using heart shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies. Place, one inch apart, on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 20 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Frost when cool.
4. To Make Frosting: Cook 5 Tablespoons flour and milk until thick, stirring constantly. Let cool. Cream together 1 cup sugar, 1 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add flour/milk mixture. Beat until consistency to spread. When finished it looks like whipped cream. Spread on cookies.