Description
Discover the delightful simplicity of making authentic Linzer cookies at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for holidays or any occasion, these delicate, jam-filled cookies offer a wonderfully satisfying baking experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 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 favorite jam or preserves (raspberry, apricot, or strawberry are classic choices)
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting (optional))
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and one of the chilled dough discs. Roll out the dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using a floured cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the dough. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to create a cutout in the center.
- Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- For better results, place the baking sheet with the cut cookies back into the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes.
- 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.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, spread about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen jam onto the entire surface of the cookies without the cutouts.
- Gently place the cookies with the cutouts on top of the jam-filled cookies to create your Linzer cookie sandwiches. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use your favorite jam for filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- 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: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Linzer Cookies, cookies, dessert, baking