Grandmom Weber's Sand Tart Cookies

http://teriskitchen.com/pa-dutch-recipes/sand-tart-cookies.html

Makes about 4 dozen cookies

This is one of the cookies my Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother made in huge supply for the Christmas holidays. Whenever we visited, there was a plate of these on her kitchen table. In addition, she would put them in large pretzel or chip cans, which is how chips and pretzels were packaged in those days, and give one to each of her eight children for their families, along with another can filled with her Heavy Butter Cookies, which is in the similar and related recipes. Grandmom always topped the cookies with almonds, but you can use any nut you like. These cookies are easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, preferably unsalted, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites, room temperature, lightly beaten, for brushing
• Mixture of cinnamon and sugar for top
• Almonds, pecans, walnuts or other nut for top

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the whole egg and beat well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Roll dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out cookies with a medium-sized round cookie cutter. Place on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets. Brush tops of cookies with egg white. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Top with a nut. Bake for approximately 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Note: These cookies freeze very well for up to 6 months. I have successfully stored them in the freezer for one year.

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