1. Prepare the cookie dough by creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature.
6. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness.
7. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, ensuring half have a small hole or cutout in the center.
8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake until lightly golden, then let them cool completely on a wire rack.
10. If making homemade apricot jam, simmer apricots with sugar until thickened, then let cool.
11. Spread a layer of apricot jam on the solid cookie halves.
12. Place the cutout cookie halves on top, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
13. Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for decoration.
14. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
15. Serve and enjoy as a delightful treat for any occasion.