MINIATURE ALMOND TARTS

Miniature Almond Tarts image

My family requests these adorable little tarts each Christmas. I always enjoy making them since the almond paste in the filling reflects our Dutch heritage. They're super popular at special gatherings. -Karen Van Den Berge, Holland, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield about 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
6 ounces almond paste, crumbled
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
FROSTING:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened
4 to 5 teaspoons milk
Maraschino cherry halves (about 48)

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add flour until well blended. Refrigerate for 1 hour. , Shape into 1-in. balls. Place in ungreased miniature muffin cups; press onto the bottom and up the sides to form a shell. , For filling, in a small bowl, beat the almond paste, eggs and sugar until blended. Fill each shell with about 1-1/2 teaspoons filling., Bake at 325° for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. , For frosting, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Pipe or spread over tarts. Top each with a cherry half.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 124 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 51mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.