Making Apricot Shortbread Bars is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
6. Reserve Dough: Set aside about one cup of the dough for topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
7. Spread Apricot Filling: In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves and lemon juice. Spread this mixture evenly over the pressed dough.
8. Crumble Reserved Dough: Crumble the reserved dough over the apricot layer, covering it evenly.
9. Add Nuts: If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or almonds over the crumbled dough.
10. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Cut into Bars: Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

By following these steps, you will create delicious Apricot Shortbread Bars that everyone will love!