(7) Swedish Shortbread

1 c butter, softened
½ c plus 2 T sugar
2-2½ c flour
1/3 c raspberry jam
1 c powdered sugar
1 t almond extract
2-3 t water

Blend butter and sugar, add flour and mix well. Divide dough into 6 parts. On ungreased sheets, roll or pat each part into a strip about 1½”x12”. Using knife handle, make slight indentation lengthwise down center of each strip (not too deep or cookies will break). Fill indentation with jam. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar, almond and water to make thin glaze. While still warm, drizzle glaze across strips and cut diagonally into 1” slices. Makes 60 cookies.

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This recipe makes thin buttery cookies, and we especially love the almond flavouring. Truth be told, you can use any kind of jam, not just raspberry. Our other favourite is apricot. These cookies are great to take to parties or give as gifts because they look and taste really nice.