EMPIRE COOKIES

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Step 2

Add the flour and baking powder to a small mixing bowl and mix with a whisk to combine. Set aside.

Step 3

Add the butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the beaten egg and almond extract and beat for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.

Step 5

Turn the dough out onto parchment paper, wrap it up, and place in the refrigerator for one hour.

Step 6

After one hour, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out with a rolling pin until it is approximately ¼ inch thick.

Step 7

Cut out the cookies using a 1-inch scalloped cookie cutter and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.

Step 8

Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the bottoms are barely golden brown. Let the cookies cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Add butter and almond extract to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until creamy.

Step 10

With the mixer set on LOW speed, slowly add in the powdered sugar, followed by the milk, and mix until just combined. Turn the mixer speed up, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 11

Add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Set aside.

Step 12

Lay half of the cooled cookies on a baking sheet, bottom side up. Spread a small amount of jam onto each cookie and top with the remaining half of the cookies.

Step 13

Pipe a small swirl of frosting onto each cookie.

Step 14

Top with sprinkles if desired.