Creating these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies is simple. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Strawberries: Chop the fresh strawberries into small pieces and set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Scoop Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

These steps will guide you in creating incredible Strawberry Shortcake Cookies that are sure to be a hit!