Oh my goodness, let me tell you about linzer cookies! These delightful, buttery sandwich cookies are not just a treat; they’re a hug in dessert form! Originating from Austria, they’re traditionally filled with sweet fruit jam, usually raspberry, which gives them that perfect burst of flavor. Making linzer cookies is surprisingly easy, and I promise, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re the perfect companion to a hot cup of tea or coffee, making any afternoon feel special. Trust me, after you try these, you’ll want to whip up a batch for every gathering!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite jam variety)
How to Prepare Linzer Cookies
Preheat and Cream
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is key for the perfect bake! While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. You want to mix it until it’s light and fluffy—this step is super important for getting that lovely texture we all crave in a cookie! Trust me, you’ll feel the difference!
Mixing Ingredients
Next, we’re going to add in the eggs—two large ones—and the pure vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Don’t worry if it seems a bit dry; that’s exactly how it should be! Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter mixture and stir until you’ve got a nice dough. It’s starting to come together, isn’t it?
Chilling and Rolling Dough
Now, here’s a little secret: to get the best cookies, you need to chill that dough! Wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and helps prevent spreading when baking. After chilling, sprinkle some flour on your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes—don’t forget to make sure half of them have a little shape cut out in the center!
Baking and Assembling Cookies
Once your cookies are cut out, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be just right! After baking, let them cool completely before spreading a generous layer of raspberry jam on the whole cookies, then topping them with the cut-out cookies. A little dusting of powdered sugar on top makes them look fancy and beautiful for serving—your friends and family are going to be so impressed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start with why you’ll adore these linzer cookies? First off, they’re incredibly quick to whip up! With just a bit of mixing and some chilling time, you’ll have a delightful batch of cookies ready to impress. And the flavor? Wow! The buttery cookie paired with that sweet, fruity jam is just heavenly. You can easily switch up the jam to match your mood—try apricot, strawberry, or even a tangy lemon curd for a fun twist!
What I love most is how versatile they are. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual family get-together, or just because you feel like treating yourself, these cookies fit right in. Their charming presentation with the cut-out shapes is sure to make them a star at any dessert table. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, making them a great gift for friends or neighbors. Trust me, once you make these linzer cookies, they’ll become a staple in your cookie repertoire!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your linzer cookies turn out absolutely perfect! First up, always use room-temperature butter. This helps it cream together beautifully with the sugar, giving your cookies that light and fluffy texture we all love. If your butter is too cold, it just won’t mix well—trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Next, when you’re rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This helps ensure that all your cookies bake consistently. A trick I use is to place two wooden dowels on either side of the dough as guides while rolling—this way, I get perfectly uniform cookies every time!
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the jam! While raspberry is the classic choice, I’ve had great success with apricot, strawberry, and even a zesty lemon curd. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment! You could even mix two jams together for a fun surprise.
Lastly, remember to dust those finished cookies with powdered sugar just before serving. It not only adds a beautiful touch, but it also balances the sweetness of the jam. You want your cookies to look as good as they taste, right? Follow these tips, and you’ll have linzer cookies that are sure to wow everyone!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each linzer cookie packs about 150 calories, making them a delightful treat without going overboard. You’ll find 8 grams of fat, with 4 grams being saturated fat. For those keeping an eye on sugar, there’s about 10 grams per cookie, which adds that lovely sweetness we crave. They also contain 2 grams of protein and 18 grams of carbohydrates. Of course, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, like the type of jam or any substitutions you make. But overall, these cookies offer a tasty balance of indulgence and satisfaction!
FAQ Section
What can I substitute for ground almonds?
If you don’t have ground almonds on hand or need a nut-free option, you can substitute them with ground sunflower seeds or finely crushed oats. Both options will give a nice texture, though the flavor will differ slightly. Just make sure to grind them well for the best results!
How do I store linzer cookies?
To keep your linzer cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about a week—but trust me, they’re so delicious, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I use different types of jam?
Absolutely! One of the best things about linzer cookies is their versatility. You can use any fruit jam you like—apricot, strawberry, or even fig jam are all fantastic options. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of jams for a unique flavor combo. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving linzer cookies, the possibilities are as delightful as the cookies themselves! I love pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. The buttery richness of the cookies complements the warmth of the drinks perfectly, creating a cozy afternoon treat that feels indulgent yet simple.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider showcasing these cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other treats. They look so charming with their cut-out shapes, especially when dusted with powdered sugar. I often mix them with other baked goods like brownies or mini tarts to create an inviting dessert spread that guests can’t resist!
And let’s not forget about the holidays! These linzer cookies are a fantastic addition to any festive celebration. Their lovely appearance makes them a standout on cookie trays, and they also make for a thoughtful homemade gift. Just package them up in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got a perfect present for friends, family, or neighbors. Trust me, they’ll appreciate the deliciousness!
Whether it’s a casual family get-together, a holiday party, or simply a cozy evening at home, linzer cookies bring joy to any occasion. So, gather your loved ones, brew your favorite beverage, and enjoy these little bites of happiness together!
Print
Linzer Cookies: 7 Irresistibly Delightful Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Linzer cookies are delicious, buttery sandwich cookies filled with fruit jam.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out cookies using a cookie cutter.
- Cut a smaller shape in the center of half the cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and spread jam on whole cookies, then top with cut-out cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Try different jams for variety.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: linzer cookies, dessert, cookies, baking
