Mix the sugar, shortening, egg, vanilla and almond extract until creamy. Mix in the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Make several small balls of dough. Cut into desired shapes with well floured cookie cutters. If desired, press candies, raisins, nuts or sprinkles into cookies.
Place cookies onto the prepared sheets.
Remove cookies and let cool on a rack. Chill 20 minutes. Chill another 30 minutes. Melt 2 cups chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons margarine in microwave. Dip the chilled patties into the chocolate mixture.