Strawberries and Cream With Apricot-Almond Cookies

Ingredients

COOKIE DOUGH

• 1 cup flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract

COOKIE TOPPING

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sliced almonds

JAM

• 1/4 cup apricot jam, room temperature, divided
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, rinsed, & hulled and halved or quartered or frozen strawberry, thawed

WHIPPED CREAM

• 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

1. 1

   TO PREPARE COOKIE DOUGH:.

2. 2

   In small mixing bowl stir flour and salt together.

3. 3

   In large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, sugar, and almond extract at high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually, mix in flour.

4. 4

   On lightly floured surface, knead dough 2-3 minutes to smooth out. Pat dough into 1" thick square, wrap completely in plastic wrap and chill thoroughly, several hours or overnight.

5. 5

   Preheat oven to 350ºF with rack positioned in the middle of the oven.

6. 6

   Oil or spray a cookie sheet and set aside.

7. 7

   On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 10" square. Using two spatulas, transfer to cookie sheet.

8. 8

   Prick the entire surface of the dough with a fork.

9. 9

   TO MAKE THE COOKIE TOPPING:.

10. 10

    In small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and almonds. Set aside.

11. 11

    Spread dough with 1-1/2 tablespoons of the jam about 1/4" from the edges.

12. 12

    Sprinkle jam-covered dough with sugar, cinnamon and almond mixture evenly.

13. 13

    Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Place pan on rack until the square is firm enough to be easily moved. Transfer to rack and cool completely.

14. 14

    Once cooled, spread the square with remaining jam. Trim off edges.

15. 15

    Cut square into 9 small square each 3"x3".

16. 16

    Eat one square.

17. 17

    TO ASSEMBLE:.

18. 18

    Place one cookie square on dessert plate, almond-side facing up.

19. 19

    Sweeten whipped cream by mixing in sugar.

20. 20

    Spread a small dollop of whipped cream on top of cookie.

21. 21

    Spoon strawberries over whipped cream.

22. 22

    Top with another dollop of whipped cream.

23. 23

    Cover with another cookie square, almond-side facing up.

24. 24

    Place a berry half on top to garnish, if desired.