Description

TheseEmpire Cookies are made with raspberry jam, sandwiched between two delicious shortbread cookies. A simple glaze is then drizzled on top, followed by a sliver of red or green candied cherry. They're perfect for Christmas baking and cookie exchanges.

Ingredients

2/3 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 cup raspberry jam

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1 tbsp. (approx) hot water

Dash almond extract (optional)

6 candied cherries (sliced)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, or bowl from a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla.
In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
Add flour mixture gradually to creamed butter mixture, beating on low speed of mixer after each addition.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness and use a cookie cutter to cut into 2 and 1/4" rounds. (If you wish, use larger cookie cutters for a traditional empire cookie)
Transfer to cookie sheet and bake in 350F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Edges will be very lightly browned.
Cool completely on wire racks.(at least thirty minutes)
Spread a thin layer of jam on one cookie, being careful not to spread too thickly at the edges. Top with second cookie and press down slightly. Set aside and repeat with remaining cookies.
Make the icing: In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar (and almond extract if using). Stir in hot water. The consistency should be spreadable but not too runny. Spread icing on cookie tops.
Slice cherries into small slivers and top each cookie with a sliver of cherry.

Notes

Depending on what brand of jam you are using, you may want to give it a stir before spread it onto the cookies. This will make spread the jam evenly a lot easier.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Cookies
Method: Oven Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 121
Sugar: 16.8 g
Sodium: 18.1 mg
Fat: 0.7 g
Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 27.5 g
Fiber: 1.1 g
Protein: 1.7 g
Cholesterol: 8.6 mg

Keywords: Cookies, Holiday Baking, Christmas Cookies