Cheery Almond Cherry Sandwich Cookies

Cherry preserves sandwiched between two delicate almond flavored cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 4 ounces almond paste
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 3/4 cup flour
• 2 cups ground almonds
• 1 cup cherry preserves, large pieces finely minced
• 18 candied cherries, halved

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl cream butter, almond paste, sugar and vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, salt and almonds. Gradually mix into creamed mixture, divide dough in half, and refrigerate 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of dough to 1/8 inch thickness, and cut into circles with a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets and bake 10-12 minutes then remove to racks to cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Spread 1 teaspoon cherry preserves on bottom of half the cookies, then top with remaining cookies. Place a dot of cherry preserves on top of each cookie and press in half of a candied cherry. Store in airtight container cookies.

Number of Servings: 36

Notes from the Cook: I've always called these Cheery Cherry Cookies because the garnish and filling look so festive. The almond paste make them a rich and crumbly, melt in your mouth, treat.