Christmas Treats

Christmas time is finally here, and the big day is just around the corner. Because we all want to be on the nice list, here is a recipe for Santa's plate that might get you on his good side.

Hazelnut-Chocolate Sandwhich Cookies

Ingredients:

Basic cookie dough

1/3 cup(s) hazelnuts (toasted and chopped)

hazelnut-chocolate spread

Directions:

1) Prepare Basic Cookie Dough

2) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. With hands shape dough by level measuring 1/2 teaspoons into balls. Places balls 2 inches apart, on ungreased large cookie sheet. Dip bottom of flat-bottomed glass in sugar as needed; use to press each ball into 1-inch round. Sprinkle half of the rounds with hazelnuts. Bake cookies 9 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden-brown. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Repeat.

3) Assemble sandwhich cookies: Spread flat sides of plain cookies with 1/2 teaspoon hazelnut-chocolate spread. Top each with a nut-covered cookie, top side up, pressing lightly.

4) Store cookies in tightly sealed container, putting sheets of waxed paper between layers, at room temperature up to 1 week or in freezer up to 3 months.

Liz Wortman