Chocolate-Topped Linzer Cookies

Step 1

Combine flour and spices. Beat butter and 1 cup sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add egg yolks; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Add nuts; mix well. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into ball; flatten slightly. Wrap individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Step 2

Heat oven to 350ºF. Roll out 1 dough piece on lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into 24 rounds with 2-1/2 inch cookie cutter, rerolling dough scraps as necessary. Transfer to baking sheets. Use 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out centers from 12 rounds. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 3

Bake 10 to 12 min. or until edges are golden brown. Cool on baking sheets 3 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Step 4

Spread jam over whole cookies. Use fine-mesh strainer to evenly sprinkle 1 Tbsp. of the remaining sugar over remaining cookies; place, sugar sides up, over jam-topped cookies.

Step 5

Melt chocolate as directed on package. Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Beat in chocolate, then remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Spoon heaping teaspoon of the chocolate mixture onto center of each cookie. Let stand 10 min. or until chocolate is firm.