Empire Cookies

Makes approx. 30 cookies

Jam filled shortbread cookies are a traditional afternoon tea cookie.

Sonya

Empire Cookies

Cookie ingredients 

1 cup butter

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 tsps vanilla

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsps baking powder

Filling

Raspberry jam

Icing ingredients 

1 cup sifted icing sugar

1/4 tsp almond extract

1 tablespoon hot water, approximately 

Topping

Candied cherries, chopped or diced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In large bowl cream butter using electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add sugar and cream well. Add eggs and vanilla to mixture, beat until smooth.

In separate bowl mix flour and baking powder. Add flour mix slowly into cookie mixture and beat until smooth. 

Place dough on lightly floured surface. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch or 3 mm thickness. Cut rolled dough into 2 inch or 5 cm round shape.

Place rounds on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake in 350° F oven for about 9 to 10 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.

Let cookies cool thoroughly. Spread half of cookies with a thick layer of jam. Top with remaining cookies.

Icing Instructions

Combine icing sugar, almond extract and enough hot water to make a thin icing. Frost cookie tops. Top each cookie with a small piece of candied cherry.

Store cookies in covered tin, cookies will soften.