Using an electric mixer, cream butter well, beating in sugar gradually. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Add dry ingredients, sifted together, a little at a time. Add vanilla or almond extract.

Chill dough to make rolling easier. Roll very thin on lightly floured board. Cut out symbol shaped with Chanukah cookie cutters.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks.

When cool, decorate with Royal Icing (Optional) Place the confectioners' sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the egg whites and lemon juice. Beat at medium speed until the sugar and eggs are thoroughly combined and the icing is thick and white. Place small amounts of icing in separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each to create different colors.

Brush or pipe on icing. Add decorative sugars, candies, or sprinkles and let dry.