Maggie’s Louise Slice Finger Cookies

Maggie’s Louise Slice Finger Cookies

Base Layer:

125 grams butter, room temperature

3/4 cup super fine sugar

2 eggs, separated and at room temperature

1 3/4 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam

8 oz. almond paste

Coconut Topping:

2 reserved egg whites

1/4 cup super fine sugar

1 1/4 cups shredded coconut

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

powdered sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9X13 inch pan with nonstick spray. Line the sprayed pan with parchment paper on bottom and sides with parchment  extending a little over the edge to use as handles, spray lightly again with nonstick spray; set aside.

In the bowl of stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time until well combined. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. With the mixer set on low, mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.  Roll out the almond paste into a rectangle that fits the inside of the pan., place on top of dough. Evenly spread the jam over the almond paste layer.

In a clean bowl beat the egg whites until stiff, gradually adding the sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in the shredded coconut. Spread the coconut meringue evenly over the top .

Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until top is just light golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into finger sizes. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.