Linzer Cookies

Directions

• 1To make linzer cookies you need two of the same-shaped cookie cutters, one large and one small. Circles (biscuit cutters), Scalloped-edged cutters, and heart-shaped cookie cutters are all great choices for making linzers.
• 2

  Place in a food processor and pulse until finely ground:
  Slivered or sliced almonds
  Sugar
  Lemon zest

• 3

  Cream together until light and fluffy:
  Unsalted butter
  Sugar
  Almond sugar mixture from above

• 4

  Beat in:
  Egg yolk
  Almond extract

• 5

  Whisk together then add:
  All-purpose flour
  Baking powder
  Salt
  Ground cinnamon

• 6 Mix just until all ingredients are well blended. Chill dough for 3-4 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough out on a lightly floured counter to 1/4" thickness. (if the dough is chilled overnight, it may need to soften slightly before rolling.) Using the large cookie cutter, cut shapes from the dough and place on a prepared baking sheet. Half of the cookies will be the top cookies: Cut a hole from the middle of these cookies using the mini cookie cutter. Repeat with the remaining dough, incorporating the scraps until all the dough is used. You should have 10 solid cookies and 10 cookies with cut-out windows.
• 7 Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly colored. Let cookies cool slightly on cookie sheets and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Sift confectioner's sugar on the the cut-out cookies. Spread a heaping spoonful of raspberry jam on to the underside of the solid cookies. Carefully place a cut-out cookie on top of each jam-covered cookie, sandwiching the jam between the two cookies.
• 8 My favorite cookie cutter for Linzer cookies is the hearts -- especially for Valentine's Day! But you can use most any combination of large outer shapes and small inner shapes.