Linzer cookies are a delightful holiday treat, known for their buttery texture and sweet fruit filling. These traditional Austrian cookies are made with almond flour and are typically sandwiched with jam, making them a festive addition to any holiday cookie platter.
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for baking with family. You can customize the filling with your favorite jams, such as raspberry or apricot, to create a personalized touch.
Creating the Perfect Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering, known for their unique combination of buttery texture and sweet fruit filling. These traditional Austrian treats are often made with almond flour, giving them a distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with various jams.
To achieve the perfect Linzer cookie, start with a rich dough that incorporates ground almonds and a hint of spice. The dough is rolled out and cut into festive shapes, making them visually appealing for the holiday season. Once baked, these cookies are sandwiched together with a generous layer of jam, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Choosing Your Jam Filling
The choice of jam can significantly influence the overall taste of your Linzer cookies. Raspberry jam is a classic option, providing a vibrant color and tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookie. Apricot jam is another popular choice, offering a milder flavor that complements the almond base.
Feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves as well. Whether you prefer a tangy citrus or a sweet berry, the filling can be tailored to suit your personal taste. This customization adds a personal touch to your holiday baking.
Decorating for the Holidays
Presentation plays a key role in making your Linzer cookies stand out. After assembling the cookies, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and enhances their festive appearance. The powdered sugar contrasts beautifully with the vibrant jam peeking through the cut-out centers.
For an inviting display, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and surround them with holiday-themed decorations. Twinkling lights and evergreen branches create a cozy atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season, making your cookie platter a centerpiece for any gathering.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your Linzer cookies turn out perfectly, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, chilling the dough is essential. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances their texture.
When rolling out the dough, use a floured surface to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch to ensure uniform baking. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges when done.
Sharing the Joy of Baking
Baking Linzer cookies can be a wonderful activity to share with family and friends. Gather loved ones in the kitchen to mix, roll, and cut out the cookies together. This collaborative effort not only makes the process more enjoyable but also creates lasting memories.
Once the cookies are baked and decorated, they make for delightful gifts. Package them in festive boxes or tins to share with neighbors and friends, spreading holiday cheer through homemade treats.
Storing Your Linzer Cookies
To keep your Linzer cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several days, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the holiday season. If you prefer, you can also freeze the cookies for longer storage, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
With their charming appearance and delicious flavor, Linzer cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy the process, and savor the delightful results!
Delicious Linzer Cookies for the Holidays
These Linzer cookies are made with a rich dough that includes ground almonds and a hint of spice. The cookies are cut into shapes, filled with jam, and dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. The recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and cut out centers for half of the cookies.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
- Assemble: Spread a teaspoon of jam on the solid cookie halves and top with the cut-out cookies. Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g