Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined.

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined.

Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.

Sprinkle the top of the cookie dough generously with ¼ cup of granulated sugar.

Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.

If desired, frost your cookie bars using your choice of frosting after they've cooled.

Top the cooled bars with festive red and green sprinkles before cutting into squares.