Judy's Three-Layer Christmas Cookies

These are delicious and fun to make. It is easy for children to help. These should be refrigerated for 8 hours before cutting.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1  egg
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  almond extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup maraschino cherry
• 1  ounce  unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 1⁄4 cup  almonds, chopped

Directions

1. Line bottom and side of 9 inch loaf pan with foil.
2. Beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Beat in sugar gradually. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract and mix well.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter. Mix until well blended. (Dough will be stiff.).
4. Divide dough into thirds. Add cherries to 1/3 of the dough, kneading to blend.
5. Knead melted chocolate and almonds into another 1/3. Press that on top the other layer. Press plain dough on top.
6. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours.
7. Flip pan upside down, cut into 1/3's lengthwise, then slice 1/4 inch pieces. Bake at 350 on an ungreased cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes. (Dough can be stored longer and cooked in batches.).