My Grandma's Sand Tarts

This is a family recipe that my mom always made around Christmas time, which she got from her mom (my Grandma) who always made them around this time too. They are similar to sugar cookies but don't have any baking soda or powder so they don't really rise. They are simple and easy to make, but incredibly delicious. We call them Sand Tarts.

Sand Tarts Recipe

Makes about 30 cookies

2 cups sugar
2 1/2 sticks butter
2 eggs + 1 egg white for egg wash
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups flour
8 oz almonds, peeled
Powdered sugar for rolling

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Begin by placing the almonds in a pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes, until the skin comes off easily. Peel all of the almonds and set aside.
In a large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Slowly add in the flour. On a board with powdered sugar to prevent the dough from sticking, roll out the dough until pretty thin, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut dough into squares and transfer to a cookie sheet either greased or with parchment paper.
Combine the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the cookies with it. Sprinkle with sugar. Place one peeled almond in the center and push a little hard so that the almond is stuck in the dough. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.