Page 90 - Classic Cookies with Modern Twists

Strawberr y Jam–Striped Cheesers

Nostalg ia made me re-cr eate this cookie. Mrs. Bigelow, my
childhood piano teacher, baked them to br ibe me to practice more
between lessons. Sh e offered other enticements too: plant clippings,
plastic statuettes of famous composers, and Beatles sheet music. I

was motivated by cook ies even from an early age, and these were
my favor ite reward. My preference now is for red currant jelly.

MAKES ABOUT 4 DOZEN COOKIES

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon fine sea salt

¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
¼ cup suga r

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup strawberry jam or red currant jelly
White rice flour, for rolling

1. In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose our and salt and set

aside.

2. In the bowl of a st and mixer tted with the paddle
att achment, or using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter
and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 2

minutes. Scrape the bowl with a r ubber spatula, reduce the
speed, and slowly add the sugar, mixing until the ingredients