Chocolate-filled Russian Tea Cakes
http://bakedchicago.typepad.com

1 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
48 dark or milk chocolate stars (store bought, 14 ounce bag)
1 tablespoon red sugar
1 tablespoon green sugar

Preheat oven to 400F degrees. In large bowl, beat butter, 1/2 cup
powdered sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium until well
mixed. On low speed, beat in flour, salt and almonds.

For each cookie, shape scant measuring tablespoonful dough around
chocolate star to make 1-inch ball. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased
baking sheets.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until set and bottoms begin to turn golden
brown. Meanwhile in a small bowl, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with red
and green sugars.

Immediately remove cookies from baking sheets. Roll in sugar
coating. Cool completely on wire racks, about 30 minutes. Roll in
sugar coating again.