Jam Tart Cookies

Strawberry jam centers enhanced with a hint of fresh lemon flavor, these cookies are a must for the holidays. Use any shape 1-inch cutter desired; star for the holidays, etc.

Yield: 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 2/3 cup strawberry jam*
• Confectioners' sugar (for garnish - optional)

Instructions

1. Beat together butter and confectioners' sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy.
2. At low speed, beat in flour, cornstarch, lemon juice and lemon peel.
3. Divide dough in half. On a floured surface, shape each half into a 4 inch log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap; chill for 2 hours.
4. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut each log into 24 (1/8 inch) thin slices.
5. Using a 1 inch cookie cutter, cut out centers from 24 cookie slices.
6. Place whole cookies, 2 inches apart, on 2 ungreased cookie sheets. Brush with water. Place cookies with star cutouts on top of whole cookies. Spoon jam into centers.
7. Bake cookies until set, 8 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
8. Sprinkle edges of cookies with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Notes

* Or use any other flavor jam desired.