Linzer Hearts

I wanted to make a few cute things for my kid's Valentine's parties last week, something a little more for the Moms.  I have had a little set of Linzer cookie cutters for a few years and hadn't used them so I thought I would try them out and use the heart cutout. 

I used the recipe that came with the cookie cutters, and they turned out okay.  They were insanely sweet, I would probably use reduced sugar preserves next time.  The orange extract added a nice flavour, and even though they didn't hold their shape and much as I had hoped they were pretty cute!

If you don't have Linzer cookie cutters and don't plan to make Linzer cookies often, you could just use a heart shaped cutter and make little sandwich cookies.  

Linzer Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon orange extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 jar raspberry jam
powdered sugar for dusting

Sift the flour and set aside. 
In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream butter, sugar, and orange extract.  Stir one cup of flour in at a time, mixing well. 
Chill the dough for at least two hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Roll out half of the dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut with the plain cutter.  Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and chill for another 30 minutes, then bake for 12 minutes.
Roll out the other half of the dough and use the heart cutout to make the tops of the cookies.  Chill for the 30 minutes, then bake for 12 minutes.

Once the tops and bottoms have cooled completely dust the tops with powdered sugar.  Spread about 2 teaspoons of jam on each cookie bottom and place the tops over bottoms to create a sandwich.