Cherry-Filled Cutouts

Directions

1. 1
   Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or until firm enough to roll.
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 375°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Using floured 2-3/4-in. and 3-in. cookie cutters, cut an equal number of circles in each size. Using a floured 1-in. cookie cutter, cut out centers from larger circles.
3. 3
   For filling, mix preserves and almonds. Place solid circles 1-1/2 in. apart on parchment-lined
4. 4
   . Spoon 2 teaspoons filling on center of each. Top with cutout circles.
5. 5
   Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.