Linzer Cookies Recipe: Discover the delightful simplicity of making authentic Linzer cookies at home with this easy-to-follow Linzer Cookies Recipe. Perfect for holidays or any occasion, these delicate, jam-filled cookies offer a wonderfully satisfying baking experience.
Key Ingredients for Linzer Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup finely ground almonds or walnuts (optional, for added flavor and texture)
- 1/2 cup your favorite jam or preserves (raspberry, apricot, or strawberry are classic choices)
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
How to Make Linzer Cookies
This Linzer Cookies Recipe is surprisingly simple, yielding beautifully intricate cookies with a delightful jammy surprise. The perfect balance of a crisp, buttery cookie and sweet, fruity filling makes these a truly satisfying treat. With a preparation time of about 45 minutes, you’ll have a batch of these festive cookies ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. If using ground nuts, add them to the dry ingredients at this stage and whisk again to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Yolks: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This chilling step is crucial for easy handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Prepare for Rolling: Lightly flour a clean work surface and one of the chilled dough discs. Roll out the dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the Cookies: Using a floured cookie cutter (a round one is traditional, about 2.5-3 inches in diameter), cut out shapes from the dough. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter (like a star, heart, or a small circle) to create a cutout in the center. This will be the “lid” of your Linzer cookie.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- Chill Again (Optional but Recommended): For even better results, place the baking sheet with the cut cookies back into the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape beautifully during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is essential before filling, as warm cookies can cause the jam to melt excessively.
- Assemble the Linzer Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen jam or preserves onto the entire surface of the cookies without the cutouts.
- Top and Dust: Gently place the cookies with the cutouts on top of the jam-filled cookies to create your Linzer cookie sandwiches. If desired, lightly dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Why You’ll Love This Linzer Cookies Recipe
You’ll adore this Linzer Cookies Recipe for its intricate beauty and delightful flavor all rolled into one. The star of this dish is the perfect marriage of a crisp, buttery shortbread-like cookie with a burst of sweet, fruity jam peeking through the delicate cutout. Making them at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to purchasing them from specialty bakeries, allowing you to share these delicious treats without breaking the bank. The optional inclusion of finely ground almonds or walnuts adds a sophisticated nutty undertone that elevates these cookies beyond your average shortbread.
Unlike simpler sugar cookies, these Linzer cookies offer a visually stunning presentation and a complex flavor profile that makes any occasion feel special. Their rich texture and the delightful surprise of the jam filling create a truly memorable dessert experience. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and try this Linzer Cookies Recipe at home for a taste of handcrafted joy!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your delicious Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by layering them between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. They do not require reheating, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Linzer Cookies Recipe offers a beautiful and delicious way to add a homemade touch to any gathering. Encourage everyone to give this festive and flavorful cookie a try for a wonderfully rewarding baking experience.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Linzer Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. If using ground nuts, add them to the dry ingredients at this stage and whisk again to ensure they are evenly distributed.2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup finely ground almonds or walnuts
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.1 cup unsalted butter, 2 large egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This chilling step is crucial for easy handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and one of the chilled dough discs. Roll out the dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness.2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Using a floured cookie cutter (a round one is traditional, about 2.5-3 inches in diameter), cut out shapes from the dough. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter (like a star, heart, or a small circle) to create a cutout in the center. This will be the “lid” of your Linzer cookie.
- Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- For even better results, place the baking sheet with the cut cookies back into the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape beautifully during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is essential before filling, as warm cookies can cause the jam to melt excessively.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen jam or preserves onto the entire surface of the cookies without the cutouts.1/2 cup favorite jam or preserves
- Gently place the cookies with the cutouts on top of the jam-filled cookies to create your Linzer cookie sandwiches. If desired, lightly dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of elegance.confectioners’ sugar