Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies bring a touch of sweetness to any gathering. With their crisp edges and tender interiors, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. They’re perfect for family occasions or just a cozy treat at home. Your kids will love the jam filling, and they make a delightful gift too!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These cookies are not just easy to make; they’re incredibly tasty. With simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Kids can easily help out with the dough and the filling, making it a fun activity for the whole family. Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion, from holiday parties to everyday snacks.
How to Make Linzer Cookies
Making Linzer Cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll start by mixing your ingredients to create a soft dough. After refrigerating the dough, roll it out and cut out your shapes. Then, fill them with your favorite jam before baking. Watch them turn golden and delicious!
What You Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step
- In a bowl, mix the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for about an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Make a hole in the center of half the cookies for the jam to peek through.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely, then spread jam on the solid cookies and top with the cut-out pieces.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
How to Serve Linzer Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. They make a lovely addition to cookie platters during holidays or family gatherings. You might even pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet twist!
How to Store Linzer Cookies
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough: This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use different jams: Try strawberry or any fruit preserves you love.
- Avoid overmixing: This keeps the cookies tender.
- Dust with sugar right before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Variations & Swaps
- Nut-free option: Replace ground almonds with more flour or a different nut-free flour.
- Flavor swaps: Use lemon zest instead of vanilla for a fresh twist.
- Holiday spices: Add nutmeg or ginger for a festive flavor during the holidays.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just chill it in the fridge, and roll it out when you’re ready to bake. Baked cookies can also be made ahead and stored.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! Let the cookies cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to three months.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly soft again.
Can I substitute almond flour with another ingredient?
Definitely! You can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour for a nut-free version or try another nut flour like hazelnut.
What mistakes should I avoid when making these cookies?
Common mistakes include not chilling the dough, which can lead to overly spread cookies. Also, be careful not to overbake them; aim for a light golden color around the edges.
Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ground almonds (or almond flour) For nut-free, substitute with more flour.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Jam Filling
- ½ cup raspberry or apricot jam Use your favorite jam.
- optional Powdered sugar for dusting Dust immediately before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for about an hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Make a hole in the center of half the cookies for the jam to peek through.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely, then spread jam on the solid cookies and top with the cut-out pieces.
