Description
Linzer cookies are delicate almond shortbread cookies filled with raspberry jam. They are a classic holiday treat, known for their intricate cutout tops and sweet, fruity center. These cookies are perfect for Christmas baking and will impress your guests with their beautiful appearance and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For the top cookies, use a smaller cutter or a sharp knife to cut out a design in the center (e.g., a star or a small circle).
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread raspberry jam on the bottom of the whole cookies.
- Dust the cutout cookies with powdered sugar.
- Gently place the dusted cutout cookies on top of the jam-filled cookies.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough sufficiently to make it easier to handle.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven.
- You can use other fruit jams if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European