APRICOT SHORTBREAD SQUARES

Apricot Shortbread Squares image

These fruity bars taste and look so good, people will have a hard time believing how quick they can be prepared. They're bound to become a favorite with your family.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, separated
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 jars (12 ounces each) apricot preserves
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well (mixture will be crumbly). Press into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Carefully spread with apricot preserves., In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully spread over preserves (egg white layer will be thin). Sprinkle with walnuts. , Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and edges are bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Fat 11g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 143mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.