Cookie Of The Day: Linzer Sandwich Cookies

Linzer Sandwich Cookies, recipe courtesy of Land O Lakes!

Ingredients

1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon almond extract*

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups all-purpose flour

Powder sugar

Small decorator candies, if desired

White decorator gel, if desired

3 tablespoons seedless raspberry or apricot jam

 Directions

1. Combine butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, almond extract and salt in large bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour. Beat until well mixed.

2. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a ball; flatten slightly. Wrap each in plastic food wrap; refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour).

3. Heat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 2-inch cookie cutters. Cut out center from half of cookies using smaller decorative cookie cutter. Place cookies, 1 inch apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire cooling rack. Cool completely.

4. Place cooled cookies with center cut-out onto waxed paper; sprinkle with powdered sugar. Decorate with small candies attached with decorator gel, if desired. Spread bottom-side of cookies without cut-out with 1/4 teaspoon jam. Top with center cut-out cookie, powdered sugar-side up.


*Substitute rum flavoring or orange extract.

I can't wait to have a full day to bake all of these delicious Christmas cookies. I think it is one of the best parts of the Holidays! Have a happy Saturday and check back tomorrow to see my holly wreath!