Introducing the delightful Yuletide Linzer Bars, a scrumptious treat perfect for the festive season or any time you crave a delicious dessert with a touch of holiday spirit. These bars, discovered in the serendipitous setting of a doctor’s office, are sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total baking time of 35 minutes, you’ll have these delectable treats ready to enjoy in under an hour, making them ideal for those last-minute gatherings or spontaneous baking sessions.
Yield: This recipe yields approximately 36 bars, ensuring there’s plenty to go around for sharing with loved ones or for indulging in a sweet snack throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups butter
- 3/4 cup margarine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
- Preserves (flavor of your choice)
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. | PT5M |
| 2 | In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the butter, margarine, and sugar until creamy. | PT5M |
| 3 | Add the egg and grated lemon rind to the mixture, and beat until well blended. | PT3M |
| 4 | Gradually mix in the flour, ground almonds, and ground cinnamon until the dough is well blended. | PT5M |
| 5 | Press 2 cups of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. | PT3M |
| 6 | Spread a layer of preserves of your choice over the dough in the pan. | PT2M |
| 7 | Using the remaining dough, press small amounts at a time evenly over the preserves layer. | PT5M |
| 8 | Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown. | PT35-40M |
| 9 | Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. | PT10M |
| 10 | Once cooled, sprinkle the bars generously with powdered sugar. | PT2M |
| 11 | Carefully cut the bars into individual servings. | PT5M |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 163.2
- Fat: 10.1g
- Saturated Fat: 4.6g
- Cholesterol: 23.9mg
- Sodium: 52.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.6g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugars: 7.7g
- Protein: 2.4g
These Yuletide Linzer Bars are not only visually stunning with their festive appearance but also boast a delightful flavor profile that combines the richness of butter and almonds with a hint of citrus from the lemon rind. The addition of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the bars, making them a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, these bars are sure to impress with their irresistible taste and elegant presentation. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of these delightful bars fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!
