Meg's Irish Soda Bread Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 6 tablespoons fruit preserves (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add butter. Knead with hands until the mixture becomes consistent in texture (it will be a bit coarse).

3. 3

   Add the egg and buttermilk. Knead with hands just until the mixture is smooth and doughy.

4. 4

   Line cookie sheets with wax paper. Drop dough by the tablespoonful onto cookie sheets (no more than twelve per sheet).

5. 5

   If desired, use the back of a spoon to gently press a well into each cookie and fill with 1/3 teaspoon of jam/preserves. I find raspberry jam goes perfectly with the flavor of these cookies.

6. 6

   Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until cookies are "domed" and slightly golden.