Raspberry Linzer Hearts

These are a repost of what I made last year, and what I'm baking off today. I simply love these cookies. I'm off to finish my Valentines.....Have you finished yours???

These are a wonderful cookie at Valentines or any other time. Linzer is a name for a nut shortbread cookie or tart, usually sandwiched together. They can be made with a heart shape or a nice round crinkle cut cutter. They can be time consuming, so make sure you give yourself enough time to make these great cookies.
I especially enjoy these with a cup of tea. The hint of raspberries and almonds, is a wonderful combination. After you make them it is best to let them sit overnight before packing, so that the jam can dry like glue to hold them together.

Ingredients:
1-1/4 cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs

1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cups ground almonds
Raspberry jam
Confectioners' sugar

Directions:

**In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add in Almond extract

**Combine the flour, soda, salt, and cinnamon, gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.

**Stir in almonds.

**Refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.

**On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a 3-in. heart-shaped or 2-1/2-in. round cookie cutter. From the center of half the cookies, cutout a 1-1/2-in. heart or round shape.

**Place on ungreased baking sheets.

**Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. **Remove to wire racks to cool.

**Spread 1/2 teaspoon jam over the bottom of the solid cookies; Sprinkle cutout cookies with confectioners' sugar; carefully place over jam like a sandwich.

Yield: 3 dozen