Empire Cookies

Recipe View In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. (2 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. (15 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before frosting. (20 minutes)

Recipe View Once the cookies are cool, spread half of them with raspberry jam. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches. (10 minutes)

Recipe View In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, almond extract, and enough hot water to create a smooth, thin icing. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Frost the tops of the cookies with the glaze and immediately top each with a small piece of candied cherry. Let the icing set before serving. (5 minutes)