Almond Café Cookies

Heat oven to 375°F. Line large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In large bowl, break up cookie dough and almond paste. Add flour and preserves; knead until well blended and mixture forms a ball. (DO NOT EAT RAW COOKIE DOUGH AFTER COMBINING WITH FLOUR.) Pat into 6x9-inch rectangle. Cut into 24 pieces.

In small bowl, beat egg whites with fork or wire whisk until foamy. In another small bowl, place almonds.

Shape each dough piece into ball. Flatten to 3-inch round. Dip one flat side into egg whites, coating one side only. Place coated side down onto almond slices. Lightly press to coat with almonds. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets, almond side up.

Bake 13 to 18 minutes or until cookies are light golden brown. Cool on cookie sheets 2 minutes; remove to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 20 minutes. Store in covered container.