Linzer Cookies: A Timeless Holiday Treat

Linzer cookies are the epitome of festive elegance, bringing together buttery, almond-flavored cookies and a bright, fruity jam filling. With their signature cutout shapes that showcase the vibrant jam, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re preparing a batch for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just to enjoy with your afternoon tea, Linzer cookies are a joy to make and even more enjoyable to eat.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Delicate Texture: These cookies have a soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
• Festive Presentation: The powdered sugar dusting and colorful jam filling make them a standout on any cookie tray.
• Customizable Flavors: You can experiment with different jams or fillings, such as raspberry, apricot, or even chocolate spread.
• Perfect for Gifting: Their elegant appearance and delightful taste make them a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Fun to Make: Rolling out the dough and creating the cutouts is a fun activity to share with family or friends, especially during the holidays.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour (for a nutty, authentic flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added depth)

For the Filling and Decoration:

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your choice of jam)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Roll and Cut the Cookies:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then use a smaller cutter (like a heart or star) to create cutouts in the center of half the cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.
3. Bake the Cookies:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Assemble the Cookies:
   Spread a small amount of jam onto the flat side of the whole cookies. Gently place the cookies with the cutouts on top, pressing lightly to sandwich them together. Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a snowy, festive finish.
5. Serve and Store:
   Let the cookies sit for a few hours to allow the jam to set. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful.

Variations

1. Chocolate Linzer Cookies: Replace the almond flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version. Use Nutella or dark chocolate ganache as the filling for an indulgent treat.
2. Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, zesty flavor. Pair with orange or lemon curd for the filling.
3. Nut-Free Option: Substitute almond flour with more all-purpose flour if you prefer a nut-free version.
4. Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced variation that’s perfect for the holidays.

How to Serve

Linzer cookies are perfect for any occasion:

• Holiday Platters: Arrange them on a festive plate alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
• With Tea or Coffee: Their buttery, sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage.
• As a Gift: Wrap them in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
• Dessert Table: Serve them at parties or gatherings as an elegant dessert option.

Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are the epitome of festive elegance, bringing together buttery, almond-flavored cookies and a bright, fruity jam filling. With their signature cutout shapes that showcase the vibrant jam, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

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Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• For the Cookies:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
• For the Filling and Decoration:
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preferred jam
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

• Whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture, mixing well.
• Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the dough comes together.
• Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface.
• Use a round cookie cutter to cut shapes, creating smaller cutouts in the center of half the cookies.
• Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
• Spread jam on the flat side of whole cookies and top with cutout cookies.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Keyword Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies, Linzer Cookies

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