There’s still time to bake, and these beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are well worth the time. Raspberry jam is the traditional filling, and its tart sweetness complements the buttery shortbread cookies.  Use 2 different-size star cutters to create the dramatic look. But if these don’t squelch your cookie-baking enthusiasm, try one of our other favorites.

Linzer Cookies
Makes 3 dozen

• 1 1/4 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar

1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer; gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
2. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until blended.
3. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Cover and chill 1 hour.
4. Roll each portion to a 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface; cut with a 3-inch star-shaped cutter. Cut centers out of half of cookies with a 1 1/2-inch star-shaped cutter. Place all stars on lightly greased baking sheets.
5. Bake at 325° for 15 minutes; cool on wire racks. Spread solid cookies with jam; sprinkle remaining stars with powdered sugar. Top each solid cookie with a hollow star.