Red Hot Cookies

 Almost like a snickerdoodle but without the cinnamon in it.  Great for Valentine's Day or Christmas.

RED HOT COOKIES

(makes 3 dozen)

Ingredients:

*1 (5.5 ounce) box red hot candies, lightly crushed 

*1 cup butter, softened

*2 cups granulated sugar

*2 large egg

*1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

*3 cups all purpose flour

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon baking powder

*1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter

*3/4 cup powered sugar

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Place one (5.5 ounce) box of red hot candies and place into a plastic resealable bag.

~Take a meat mallet or hammer and gently break up candies into small pieces

~In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar together until well blended and smooth.

~Stir in 2 large eggs and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

~In another bowl, whisk 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter until well incorporated.

~Add half of the dry mixture and mix it into the butter mixture, mix until partly incorporated.

~Stir in the remaining dry mixture and mix until well incorporated.

~Fold in crushed red hot candies.

~Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar into a small bowl.

~Roll out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into powdered sugar.

~Place onto a cookie sheet (I line my with a silicone mat.

~Bake for 12-14  minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes before placing on cooling rack.