Linzer Sandwich Cookies

STEP 1

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

STEP 2

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

STEP 3

Heat oven to 350°F.

STEP 4

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 7-9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely.

STEP 5

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.