Mix sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and almond extract. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Combine wet and dry mixtures, blending well. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
Heat oven to 375°F. Divide dough in half. Roll out halves 3/16 inch thick onto floured board. Cut dough into shapes.
Divide egg yolk mixture among small cups and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Add water if the paint thickens. Paint cookies before baking. The thicker the coating, the shinier and brighter the cookies will be.
Add small candies to decorate.
Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet 7 to 8 minutes.