Linzer Cookies are not just any ordinary treat; they’re a delightful reminder of holidays and special moments spent with loved ones. This classic dessert hails from Austria and has captivated taste buds around the world, particularly here in the USA. With their beautiful appearance and tempting flavors, it’s no wonder why so many people enjoy making and sharing them. The combination of buttery, crumbly cookie and sweet fruit jam creates a memorable experience that brings smiles. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just treating yourself, Linzer Cookies are perfect for any time of year. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious recipe together!
Why This Recipe Works
First off, this recipe is a game-changer in the cookie world. The balance of butter and confectioner’s sugar creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will wow your family and friends. You’ll notice how the creaminess of the butter mixes with the sweet sugar, letting each bite be soft yet satisfying.
Chilling the dough is another crucial step—not only does it help achieve perfectly clean edges, but it also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. You want them to hold their shape, and a bit of chilling does the trick. Finally, using homemade raspberry jam adds a beautiful tart contrast to the sweet shortbread cookies. Each cookie is a perfect blend of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Linzer Cookies
You’re going to love how visually stunning these cookies are! They shine on a holiday platter and make for a charming gift too. Just imagine presenting a tin filled with these gorgeous, layered treats to a friend or family member. They bring joy!
Each bite combines a buttery cookie crunch with a sweet, fruity filling that ignites nostalgic feelings, especially if you’ve enjoyed similar treats in your childhood. Baking these cookies isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating warm memories tied to festive traditions. Really, what’s not to love?
Ingredients
For this delightful recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar (icing sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For assembling, gather:
- 1-2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons raspberry jam (or strawberry jam)
Preparing Your Linzer Cookies
Cream Butter and Sugar
To begin your cookie journey, grab a large bowl. You’ll cream the softened butter and confectioner’s sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Set the speed to medium and mix for about 2 minutes until the mixture is soft and fluffy. This creates the foundation for your cookies.
Incorporate Vanilla and Salt
Next, it’s time to add flavor! Pour in the pure vanilla extract and sprinkle in the salt. Keep mixing until everything is fully blended. Not only does this step enhance flavor, but it also sparks a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen.
Forming the Dough
Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the bowl, mixing until the ingredients come together to form a cohesive dough. You might need to switch to using your hands for a bit, shaping it into a ball. Then, flatten this ball into a disc. Just like that, you’re on your way!
Chill the Dough
The dough is looking good! Now, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling action is essential—it allows the butter to firm up, helping you achieve that perfect cookie shape during baking.
Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Also, line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will not only keep the cookies from sticking but also make your cleanup a breeze.
Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough is ready, lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out the dough until it reaches about ¼-inch in thickness. Grab your linzer cookie cutters and start cutting out shapes. Remember, for half of the cookies, cut smaller shapes in the center so the jam will peek through!
Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies about half an inch apart on the lined baking sheet. If you want them to hold their shape even better, chill them for another 10 minutes while the oven finishes preheating. Bake these beauties for 8-10 minutes, watching for the edges to just begin to brown. After baking, allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
Assemble the Cookies
Here comes the fun part! Take the cookies with center cutouts and dust them with confectioner’s sugar. For the bottoms of the intact cookies, spread raspberry jam, leaving a small ⅛-inch border. This jam is where the magic happens!
Final Touches
Carefully place the tops of the cookies on the jam-filled bottoms. For an extra touch, you can fill the open centers with a bit more jam if you desire. Nothing says “I love cookies” like a bit of jam peeking out!
Serving Suggestions
These Linzer Cookies really shine when served with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They make for a delightful afternoon treat that warms the heart. If you want to take it a step further, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that’ll have everyone asking for more!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Also, don’t skip the chilling step. It improves the overall texture of your cookies and makes them much easier to handle.
Variations
Feel free to get creative! Try using different fruit jams like apricot or black currant to switch things up and enjoy new flavors. If you’d like to add texture, experiment with adding ground nuts to the dough for a crunchy twist!
Storage Tips
For any uneaten cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep some for later, freeze assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag—this will keep them fresh for about 2 months.
Pairing Ideas
Pair your Linzer Cookies with a light, fruity white wine for a sophisticated dessert experience. Alternatively, complement them with a rich hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat that comforts the soul.
FAQs
How long do Linzer cookies stay fresh?
If stored properly, Linzer cookies can stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a few days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator.
What other fillings can I use besides raspberry jam?
Any fruit preserves work well, and if you want a chocolate twist, Nutella can also be delicious!
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading?
Make sure the dough is chilled and avoid overmixing after adding the flour; this will keep your cookies from spreading.
What’s the best way to cut the cookies?
Using a sharp, floured cookie cutter ensures clean edges, making it easier to remove the cookies from the dough.
Creating these Linzer Cookies not only fills your kitchen with delightful scents but also adds joy to your celebrations. With their buttery flavor and sweet, fruity filling, every bite is a step back in time to festive gatherings and cherished memories. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself, enjoy the sweet moments they bring!
Print
Linzer Cookies
These Linzer Cookies are a festive delight with a buttery, crumbly texture and sweet raspberry jam filling. A perfect treat for any occasion, they bring warm memories and smiles.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar (icing sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1–2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons raspberry jam (or strawberry jam)
Instructions
- Cream butter and confectioner's sugar until fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and salt; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate flour to form dough.
- Chill dough wrapped in plastic for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Roll out chilled dough and cut shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are light brown.
- Cool before assembling with jam and confectioner’s sugar.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure butter is softened for easy mixing.
Chill dough to maintain cookie shape during baking.
Experiment with different fruit jams for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
