Linzer Cookies

I know these are bars and not cutouts, but they taste just as good! The Linzer Cookie is a family of cookies that are varied enough to include cocoa in some recipes. The constant is a cookie base made of finely chopped nuts, and a fruit-jam center; a crispy, buttery delicacy no matter what type!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 228 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg white
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup apricot preserves
• ⅝ cup butter
• ¼ cup chopped dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped almonds
• 1 tablespoon coarse granulated sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until light and fluffy. Beat in the lemon zest, egg and vanilla. Mix in 1 cup of chopped almonds, then stir in the sifted ingredients. Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of a greased or parchment lined 8x8 inch baking pan. Roll the remaining portion between two pieces of waxed paper, out to an 8 inch square. Refrigerate all of the dough for at least 2 hours.

Step 2

While the dough is chilling, place the apricots into a small saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for three minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Drain the excess liquid from the apricots and mix in the preserves and lemon juice.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the apricot filling evenly over the chilled crust, leaving a 1/4 inch border on edges. Cut the chilled square of dough into 1/2 inch strips. Place the strips over the filling in a lattice design. Trim edges to fit and press the edges into the border. Brush the top with egg white then sprinkle with remaining chopped almonds and coarse sugar.

Step 4

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.