Hazelnut and Eggnog Cookie Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 19-ounce package eggnog sugar cookie mix
• 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts (filberts)
• 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
• Colored sugar or granulated sugar
• Eggnog Filling

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat the 1 cup butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add egg and 1 cup of the dry cookie mix; beat just until combined. Gradually beat in as much of the remaining cookie mix as you can. Using a wooden spoon, stir in hazelnuts, orange peel, and any remaining cookie mix. If necessary, knead gently to combine.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 1 3/4-inch scalloped cookie cutter, cut out dough. Re-roll trimmings and repeat cutting dough. Arrange cutouts 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with colored or granulated sugar.

3. Bake in preheated oven about 10 minutes or just until edges begin to brown. Transfer to a wire rack; cool. Repeat with remaining dough.

4. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the Eggnog Filling on the flat side of each of half of the cookies. Top each cookie with a remaining cookie, flat side down. Makes about 36 cookies.

Eggnog Filling: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and enough of 2 to 3 tablespoons eggnog to make a mixture of spreading consistency.