Irish Lace Sandwich Cookies

Welcome to a delightful culinary journey steeped in the rich heritage of Ireland and the intricate beauty of lace! In this recipe, we’ll explore the art of crafting Irish lace sandwich cookies, a tribute to the timeless charm of Irish baking. These delicate treats, with their lacy appearance and buttery texture, are a testament to the craftsmanship and tradition passed down through generations. So, let’s celebrate the spirit of Ireland and indulge in these delightful cookies that are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the taste buds. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats

Filling:

• 4 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier

To Prepare:

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.  Add egg and almond extract, mixing well.  Add flour, salt and oats.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.  Use a melon baller (for more uniform shapes) and drop dough by 1/2 teaspoonfuls onto foil.  (Use only this small amount; dough will spread to give a lacy effect in the finished cookie.)  Place only 6 cookies at a time on an average-sized baking sheet.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 5 to 8 minutes until lightly browned.  Slide foil off sheet and completely cool cookies before removing from foil.  (If they resist at all they are not completely cool.)

For filling: 

In the top of a double boiler or in a microwave at medium power, melt chocolate and butter.  Stir in orange zest and Grand Marnier.  Cool slightly.  Spread mixture on the flat side of 1 cookie and sandwich with a second.  Let cool and serve.

Yields: 18 sandwich cookies

This recipe originally appeared on www.beliefnet.com.