Linzer Sesame Bars

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ground sesame seeds (toasted)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam (or your preferred flavor)

For Topping:

• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, ground toasted sesame seeds, softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until it forms a crumbly dough.

Step 2: Press Into Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of a lined or greased baking pan to create the base layer.

Step 3: Spread Jam Spread the jam evenly over the pressed dough layer.

Step 4: Create Lattice Top Using the remaining dough, create a lattice pattern on top of the jam layer. You can roll out the dough and cut strips to lay in a crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Bake Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Dust Allow the Linzer Sesame Bars to cool in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners' sugar for a finishing touch.

Step 7: Slice and Serve Carefully lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares or bars and serve.

These Linzer Sesame Bars offer a delightful combination of nuttiness, sweetness, and a touch of tartness from the jam—a perfect treat to share or savor on your own.