Linzer Tart Cookies

MAKES: 48 (4 dozen)

COOK TIME: 10 Min

Make unique cookies this season! Pick your favorite jam flavors and get your best cookie cutters out for these little delights! Linzer Tart Cookies are perfect for a lunchtime tea, an after dinner conversation, or those late night cravings. Can't you picture them lining your cutest seasonal china?

What You'll Need

1 1/2 cup (3 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup jam or preserves (see Note)
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

What to Do

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, granulated sugar, egg vanilla, and salt until creamy. Gradually add flour, beating until well mixed. Cover and chill 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, using a rolling pin, roll out each piece to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles and place 1-inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using a canape cutter, a sharp knife, a 1-inch round cookie cutter, or a water bottle cap, cut out 1-inch circles or small shapes from the center of half of the cookies.
Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes, or until light golden. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Spread jam evenly over the solid cookies. Sprinkle remaining cookies with confectioners' sugar. Place cookies with cutouts over jam-topped cookies. Serve, or store in an airtight container.