Raspberry Linzer Cookies

Ingredients

• 7.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons), divided 
• 1 cup whole blanched almonds 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar 
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 4 large egg yolks 
• 6 tablespoons raspberry preserves with seeds
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar

Preparation

1. 1. Weigh or lightly spoon 2.25 ounces (about 1/2 cup) flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine 2.25 ounces flour and almonds in a food processor; process until finely ground. Weigh or lightly spoon remaining 5.25 ounces (about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) flour into a dry measuring cup. Combine almond mixture, remaining 5.25 ounces flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, stirring well with a whisk.
2. 2. Place granulated sugar, butter, and rind in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add egg yolks; beat until well blended. Beating at low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat just until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap; knead lightly 3 times or until smooth. Divide dough into 2 equal portions; wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour.
3. 3. Preheat oven to 350°.
4. 4. Roll each dough portion into a 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface; cut with a 2-inch rectangular cookie cutter with fluted edges to form 36 cookies. Repeat procedure with remaining dough portion; use a 1-inch rectangular fluted cutter to remove centers of 36 rectangles. Arrange 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake, 1 batch at a time, at 350° for 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.
5. 5. Spread center of each whole cookie with about 1/2 teaspoon preserves. Sprinkle cutout cookies with powdered sugar. Place 1 cutout cookie on top of each whole cookie.

Cooking Light