Serious Cookies: Linzer Cutout Cookies

Ingredients

• 0.5 teaspoon almond extract 
• 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 4 ounces brown sugar 
• 0.3 cup butter ()
• 1 ounce butter melted
• 8 ounces powdered sugar 
• 2 ounces cornstarch 
• 1 large eggs 
• 3.5 ounces granulated sugar 
• 1.5 ounces cup heavy whipping cream 
• 9 ounces raspberry jam seedless
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 
• 2 ounces cream sour
• 2.5 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 3.5 ounces shortening 

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• oven
• whisk

Directions

1. Cookie Procedure In a large bowl, beat together the shortening, butter, sour cream, sugars, salt, baking powder, and vanilla.
2. Add the egg, beating until fluffy.
3. Whisk the flour and cornstarch together and stir in. Divide the dough in half, form into disks, wrap well, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
4. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surfaced.
5. Cut into 2 1/2- to 3-inch rounds.
6. Cut a smaller shape (circle, diamond, heart, or other shape, depending on the cutters you have) in the center of half of the rounds to make the tops of the cookies.
7. Place the cookies on lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheets and bake them for 8 to 10 minutes, until they're very lightly browned on the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and cool on racks.
9. Frosting Procedure
10. Combine the frosting ingredients and put a thin layer of frosting on the cookies with cutouts.
11. Place them on a rack to drain and dry.
12. To Assemble
13. Place a half teaspoon of jam on the unfrosted cookie circles, then place the frosted cookie cutouts on top.