Linzer Cookies: A Classic Treat for Any Occasion
These delicate Linzer cookies are not only beautiful to look at, with their powdered sugar-dusted tops and vibrant jam-filled centers, but they’re also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating Valentine’s Day, or simply indulging in a mid-afternoon treat, Linzer cookies never fail to impress.
Linzer cookies are a timeless classic, cherished for their buttery, tender texture and the delightful burst of fruit jam in every bite.
Originating from Austria, these cookies are inspired by the famous Linzer Torte, a lattice-topped pastry filled with fruit preserves and ground nuts. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even as a sweet gift, Linzer cookies bring a touch of elegance to any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant Presentation: Their intricate design, featuring cutout shapes like hearts or stars, makes them a show-stopping addition to any celebration.
- Delightful Flavor Combo: The combination of buttery, nutty cookie dough and tangy-sweet fruit jam creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite jams or fillings to create unique flavor profiles, from raspberry and apricot to lemon curd or chocolate spread.
- Gift-Worthy: These cookies make for beautiful, thoughtful gifts, especially when wrapped in festive packaging.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare the Dough
Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. - Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up. - Roll and Cut
Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For the second disk, cut out the same shapes, but use a smaller cutter to create a cutout in the center of each. - Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. - Assemble the Cookies
Spread a thin layer of jam onto the flat side of the whole cookies. Place a cutout cookie on top, gently pressing down to create a sandwich. - Dust with Powdered Sugar
Generously dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the almond flour and use more all-purpose flour for a nut-free alternative.
- Different Fillings: Experiment with lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or even Nutella for a unique twist.
- Seasonal Shapes: Use different cutters to match the season, like stars for Christmas or bunnies for Easter.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip one side of the assembled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
2. What type of jam works best?
Raspberry and apricot jams are the traditional choices, but any smooth, seedless jam will work beautifully. Make sure to warm the jam slightly for easier spreading.
3. How should I store Linzer cookies?
Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the unassembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw and assemble when ready to serve.
How to Serve
Linzer cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. Arrange them on a decorative plate for a stunning presentation.
They also pair well with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert experience. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to delight.
Linzer cookies are a timeless treat that combines elegance and flavor in every bite. With their crisp, buttery texture and sweet jam filling, they’re perfect for any occasion, making them a must-try recipe for your baking repertoire.
Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, forming a soft dough.
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out one dough disk to ⅛-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roll out the second dough disk and cut the same shapes, but with smaller cutouts in the center.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread a thin layer of warmed jam on the flat side of each whole cookie.
- Place a cutout cookie on top to make a sandwich.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!
