Linzer Strips

• butter↗1 cup

  softened

• sugar↗3⁄4 cup
• eggs↗2
• almond extract↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• flour↗2 1⁄2 cups
• blanched slivered almond, ground↗1 cup
• strawberry jelly (I prefer raspberry spread) or raspberry jelly (I prefer raspberry spread)↗1 (10 ounce) jar
• sliced almonds↗1⁄2 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Combine butter and sugar in a large mixer bowl.

2. 2

   Add eggs and almond extract until well mixed.

3. 3

   Reduce speed to low when adding flour and ground nuts.

4. 4

   Divide dough into 8 equal parts.

5. 5

   Roll each part into an 8-inch log on a lightly floured surface.

6. 6

   Wrap in plastic food wrap; refrigerate until firm about 2 hours.

7. 7

   Heat oven to 350 degrees.

8. 8

   Place logs on cookie sheets.

9. 9

   Pat each log into 2-inch wide logs.

10. 10

    Press a 1-inch wide indentation lengthwise down the center of each strip using the back of a spoon.

11. 11

    Bake for 17-19 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

12. 12

    Spoon 2 tablespoons fruit spread into the indentation of each log; sprinkle with almond slices.

13. 13

    Cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces while cookies are still warm.

14. 14

    Cool completely on cookie sheet.