Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar together until smooth. Beat in almond butter, egg white and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.

Sift in pastry flour and salt and combine until dough is soft and smooth. Mix in chocolate chips (if you choose to use them).

Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll between your hands and slightly flatten the ball and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet or silpat. Press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack.