Maraschino-Cream Sandwich cookies

After coming across this in a People Magazine I thought id get a little baking in today.

I going to type this recipe so hopefully you might want to make them for a Special occasion or Christmas.

The recipe for the cookie is more like a shortbread but its firm and melts in your mouth with flavor. 

Today was the perfect day and since it wasn't a large recipe it didn't take very much time at all to make these cookies. The recipe was a little difficult to read so I am attempting to get it out to you so you will  understand it better.

   Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS FOR COOKIE

2 1/4 cups All purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar

3/4 cup unsalted butter softened

1/4 cup vegetable shortening

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Icing:

6 tsp. softened butter

1 Tablespoon maraschino juice(you could add more for darker color)

2 Cups Powdered sugar

1-2Tablespoons heavy cream

Whisk together melted butter, cherry liquid and remaining two cups powdered sugar to combine. add 1 Tablespoon cream and whisk to combine.

Note: The filling/icing should not be runny so if you decide to add more cherry juice for color, watch amount.

Spoon icing on one side of cookie(about 1/2 tsp. of icing seems enough for me) and push down.  

Let sandwich set for at least an hour then either serve or refrigerate until using.

Note: this recipe only makes 24 cookies so it's a manageable .   Double recipe if you need more than 24.

***I'm refrigerating mine then freezing for later use.  We did mange to eat a dozen.  They are very good and rich so small size bits work very well.

The filling should be spreadable.  Spoon 1 tsp. of icing on one side of cookie and then top with the other cookie.  Press down slightly.

Cookie Batter:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl  place flour, salt,1/2 cup powdered sugar set aside.

  Using your hand mixer stationary mix softened butter, shortening and vanilla

Slowly add flour mixture to your creamed butter mixture until all in incorporated and beat until smooth.

Portion dough into 48 small uniform balls. Roll balls in the palm of your hand.  Place on parchment paper 2 inches apart.  Use a lightly flour fork to cross  hatch pattern( Similar design when you make peanut butter cookies.

Bake in pre heated 350 oven for 8 to 12 minutes.  Mine needed the 12 minutes.  Do no over bake  They'll start to brown slightly around edges.

Cool cookies in pan for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to completely cool.

Remove to cooling rack and don't ice them until cookies are completely cooled.