These cookies make me think of Christmas. My mother used to make them every year. Then she stopped. Last night I told her I was planning to make them today. She shrugged and said, “I was never really into those.”

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(Yes. That was a long pause.)

But, but… what? Not that into them? What the? What’s not to like? Sugary treats cut into shapes which can then be popped into your mouth one after the other until they are all gone? For the love of all that’s good and pure, woman. Get into them.

We’re basically talking about a sugar cookie here. But the addition of a little orange rind and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar makes ‘em extra good. This recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on your cookie cutter size.

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Sand Tarts – original source unknown, adapted slightly by movita - download sand tarts recipe

• 1/2  cup butter or margarine
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange rind
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1  3/4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• egg white (from 1 egg) diluted with 2 tablespoons of water
• cinnamon sugar (mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon)
• cherry or nut halves (optional)

Cream butter. Add sugar gradually. Stir in beaten egg. Mix in orange rind. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until well blended. Form the dough into a flat ball and chill for at least 1/2 hour. Roll out on a lightly floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into shapes. Brush with egg white mixture and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Place a cherry or nut half in centre of each cookie (if using). Place on parchment lined (or greased) cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes.