Shortbread Jam Tarts (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
02 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - ½ cup powdered sugar
05 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 - ⅛ teaspoon salt
08 - ½ cup to ¾ cup cornstarch

→ Filling and Topping

09 - ½ cup more or less raspberry jam or Nutella
10 - ½ cup sliced almonds

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Prepare paper muffin cups or butter/spray the muffin pans for easier handling.
02 - In a large bowl, mix soft butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
03 - Add sifted powdered sugar into the mixture and mix well.
04 - Add sifted flour, baking powder, and salt in two parts, mixing well between additions.
05 - Gradually sift in cornstarch, mixing well until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
06 - Form walnut-sized balls of dough or use a measuring spoon, then press each ball into paper muffin cups halfway up the sides.
07 - Fill each cup carefully with raspberry jam or Nutella, then top with sliced almonds.
08 - Bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly golden and dry.
09 - Let the tarts cool for 10–15 minutes on a wire rack. Run a knife along the edges to ensure they don't stick, and carefully remove them from the pan.
10 - Serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.

# Notes:

01 - Start with ½ cup of cornstarch and adjust based on dough texture. If too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water or milk.
02 - The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use.
03 - Flavor variations work well—try orange zest with blackberry jam or ground cardamom for an alternative profile.