SURPRISE SUGAR STARS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until easy to handle.
• On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with 2-in star cookie cutter or the cutter of your choice. Place half of the stars on ungreased baking sheets. Spoon 1-1/2 teaspoonfuls of pie filling into the centers of each. Top with remaining stars. Pinch edges to seal; cut a small slit in top of each cookie. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
• For icing, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Spread over cookies. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired.