Icebox Cookies



1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup white granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup candied red cherries, chopped

1. In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until incorporated. In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt and then add to the butter and egg mixture. Mix just until a dough forms. Stir in the cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Divide the dough into thirds. Place each third of dough on a large piece of parchment or wax paper. Smooth and shape the dough into an evenly shaped rectangle that is about 7 inches long. Then thoroughly wrap the shaped logs in the parchment or wax paper, twists the ends of the paper to seal the logs, and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least three hours, or up to three days. (The logs can also be frozen for about one month. If freezing, it is best to let the logs stand at room temperature about 15-20 minutes before slicing.)
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F with the rack in the center of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a thin bladed knife, slice the logs into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Store at room temperature for about five days or baked cookies can be frozen for a couple of weeks.

Yield: 3 dozen