VGP #4 Raspberry Almond Cookies

Bridget of Manly, Iowa, came in as a Cook's Country cookie runner-up with this traditional recipe from her mother-in-law. My favorite jam is seedless black raspberry so that's what I use for the glue. And, since I had it, I rolled the edges in Penzey's vanilla sugar - such a sweet treat and very pretty!2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups slivered almonds (or 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds)
1 cup sugar, divided
16 T (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raspberry jam

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Process 1 cup flour and almonds in food processor until finely ground. Add 1/2 cup sugar and remaining flour and process until combined. Add butter and vanilla to food processor and pulse until dough forms.

2. On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out cookies, gathering and rerolling dough as necessary. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets and bake until light brown around edges, about 15 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on sheets, then transfer to wire rack.

3. Transfer remaining sugar to bowl. Working quickly, spread 1 tsp jam on bottom half of warm cookies, then press remaining cookies onto jam to form sandwiches. Roll cookies in sugar to coat. Cool completely on wire rack.