Linzer Bars

How to Make

• Step 1: Beat butter in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.

• Step 2: Add granulated sugar, lemon peel, cinnamon, and cloves; beat until combined.

• Step 3: Beat in egg and liqueur, brandy, or water until combined.

• Step 4: Stir in the 1 1/2 cups flour and hazelnuts with a wooden spoon.

• Step 5: Form dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

• Step 6: Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil 1 inch beyond ends of pan. Grease foil.

• Step 7: Pat half of the dough into the bottom of the greased foil-lined pan.

• Step 8: Stir the 2 tablespoons flour into remaining dough and refrigerate.

• Step 9: Spread jam evenly over dough on pan.

• Step 10: Roll refrigerated dough between two pieces of waxed paper into a 15x10-inch rectangle.

• Step 11: Cut rectangle into 1/2-inch-wide strips about 15 inches long. Chill dough strips on the waxed paper or place strips on paper in freezer about 20 minutes or until very firm and easy to handle.

• Step 12: Peel strips from waxed paper.

• Step 13: Carefully place half of the strips diagonally across jam about 1/2 inch apart. Piece strips of dough together as necessary. Place remaining strips at right angels to first strips.

• Step 14: Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 30 minutes or until crust is golden.

• Step 15: Cool in pan on a wire rack.

• Step 16: Cut into squares.

• Step 17: Lift out bars on foil. Carefully remove foil.

• Step 18: Just before serving, sift powdered sugar over squares, if desired.