When it comes to the holiday season, few things can match the charm and deliciousness of homemade desserts. Among the vast array of sweet treats, the jam - filled Linzer Bars stand out as a unique and mouth - watering option. This recipe is a simplified version of the classic Austrian linzer tart, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

The linzer tart has a rich history, originating in the city of Linz, Austria. It has long been a staple in Austrian cuisine, often served during special occasions and holidays. The linzer bar, a modern adaptation, retains the essence of the tart while offering a more convenient and portable form.

Let's start with the base of these delightful bars. The tender, nutty shortbread base is the foundation that holds everything together. To create this base, you'll need a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and nuts. The butter gives the shortbread its rich, creamy flavor, while the nuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty undertone. The process of making the shortbread is relatively straightforward. First, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, gradually add the flour and nuts, mixing until a dough forms. Press the dough into a baking pan, creating an even layer. This base will bake to a golden - brown perfection, providing a sturdy yet delicate platform for the jam and topping.

Next comes the star of the show - the jam. You can choose your favorite flavor of jam, whether it's strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or any other fruit preserve. The jam not only adds a burst of fruity flavor but also gives the bars a beautiful, colorful appearance. Spread a generous layer of jam over the baked shortbread base. The jam will seep slightly into the shortbread, creating a wonderful flavor combination.

Now, for the crumb topping. This crumbly mixture is made from a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and a bit of cinnamon. The cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the jam and the shortbread. To make the crumb topping, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the jam layer. As the bars bake, the crumbs will turn golden and crispy, adding a lovely texture contrast to the soft jam and tender shortbread.

One of the great things about these linzer bars is that they don't require the elaborate stained - glass - window effect often seen in traditional linzer tarts. However, their unique shape and the drizzle of glaze still make them look elegant and festive. The glaze is a simple mixture of powdered sugar and a little bit of milk or lemon juice. Once the bars are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze not only adds a touch of sweetness but also gives the bars a shiny, polished look.

These linzer bars are perfect for sharing during the holidays. You can serve them at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a gift for friends and neighbors. They are also a great addition to a dessert table, adding a touch of sophistication and flavor. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an after - dinner treat, these jam - filled linzer bars are sure to be a hit.

In conclusion, the jam - filled Linzer Bars are a wonderful dessert that combines the best of traditional Austrian baking with a modern twist. With their tender shortbread base, fruity jam filling, and crumbly topping, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. So, this holiday season, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!