Valentine's Day Empire Cookies

Something sweet for that someone special on Valentine's Day.  These are one of my all time favourite cookies. They are a bit of a labour of love, but I am sure that someone special is worth it. A very Happy Valentine's Day to all.

 Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1/4 cup candied cherries, chopped

Directions

1. Cream butter. Add sugar, creaming well. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 2 inch rounds, (you can reuse dough, just form into a ball and roll it out again) and place on ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until very lightly browned at edges. Cool thoroughly.
4. Spread half of the cookies with jam, and top with remaining cookies.
5. Combine confectioners' sugar, almond extract, and enough hot water to make a thin icing. Frost tops of cookies. Top each with a small piece of candied cherry.