The Best Linzer Cookies with Apricot Jam**:
### **Ingredients:**
- 200 g (7 oz) butter, softened
- 100 g (3.5 oz, 1/2 cup) powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 50 g (1/2 cup) ground almonds (or almond meal)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Apricot jam (or preserve of choice)
### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Prep the Dough:**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but it should hold together.
#### 2. **Chill the Dough:**
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will make rolling out the dough much easier.
#### 3. **Roll and Cut the Cookies:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has chilled, roll one disc at a time out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the base cookies. For the tops, use the same cutter but with a smaller round cutter or a shaped cutter (like a heart or star) in the center to create the window for the jam.
#### 4. **Bake the Cookies:**
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before assembling.
#### 5. **Assemble the Cookies:**
- Spread a thin layer of apricot jam on the flat side of each whole cookie base.
- Place the cookie tops (with the cut-out center) over the jam-covered bases, pressing lightly to sandwich them together.
#### 6. **Optional Finishing Touches:**
- Dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful, festive finish.
- Let the cookies sit for about 30 minutes to allow the jam to set before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, buttery **Linzer Cookies with Apricot Jam**! They make the perfect treat for holidays or any special occasion. ????