Almond Sandwich Cookies (with video link)

And the countdown continues! Day 8/number 18 is from a magazine issue called Celebrate! with Woman's Day I recently found on the Libby app. Have never made any from this before...glad I gave it a go, because these are wonderful! They are almost shortbread-like in texture, with a very buttery filling. The recipe makes a very small amount (came out at 10 for me), so you won't be overloaded with cookies :)

Link to my YouTube "making of the recipe": https://youtu.be/RzPsvJf7Bfw

Recipe below contains my modifications.

Ingredients:

for the dough--

1/2 c. salted butter, softened

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. almond extract

120g (1 c.) all-purpose flour

48g (1/2 c.) almond flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

for the filling--

1/4 c. salted butter, softened

1 1/4 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 T. milk

1/4 tsp. salt

sanding sugar for decorating, if desired (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, set aside.

2. For the dough (use the amounts listed in dough ingredients only)--In the bowl of stand mixer, beat together butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract until creamed/light and fluffy (around 2 min.)

3. In a small bowl stir together flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. With mixer running on low speed, gradually add the dry mixture. Once it has mixed in, increase to medium speed for 30 seconds.

4. Roll dough into small balls (around 1") and place at least 1" apart on prepared baking sheet. Using a fork, press crisscross pattern into tops of dough balls.

5. Bake for 12-14 min, until lightly golden at edges (took 14 min in my oven). Transfer immediately to cooling rack to cool.

6. Once cookies have cooled, prepare the filling. Add all ingredients in the "for the filling" list (butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, salt) to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat together for around 2 min.

7. Spread some filling on the bottom of a cookie, then press another cookie (bottom facing filling) to form a sandwich. Sprinkle sides with sanding sugar (if desired). Enjoy!