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Classic Linzer Cookies Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 32 sandwich cookies (64 cookie pieces)

Description

Classic Linzer Cookies are delicate buttery sandwich cookies filled with sweet jam and dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Made with finely ground nuts, warm cinnamon spices, and a tender crumbly dough, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions or anytime you crave a sophisticated treat. The cookies are baked until lightly golden and assembled into pretty jam-filled sandwiches, offering a delightful balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Nut Mixture

  • 2/3 cup (65g) almonds or pistachios*
  • 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for rolling out
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Assembly

  • 1/2 cup (about 150g) jam or preserves, such as raspberry or apricot
  • 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare Nut Mixture: Place the almonds or pistachios and brown sugar in a food processor. Pulse into a very fine crumb, then set aside this ground nut mixture.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. This step ensures a light and fluffy dough.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract on high speed until fully combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed and mix again to incorporate.
  5. Mix Dry and Nut Ingredients into Wet: Add the flour mixture and ground nut mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined. The dough will be crumbly initially but will come together after continued mixing for a couple of minutes.
  6. Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, gently flatten each into discs, and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to 4 days to firm up the dough for easier handling.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Remove dough discs from the refrigerator and if chilled more than 3 hours, allow 20 minutes at room temperature to soften slightly for easier rolling.
  8. Roll and Cut Dough: Generously flour your work surface, rolling pin, and hands to prevent sticking. Roll out each disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out circles. Collect scraps, reroll, and cut until all dough is used, yielding approximately 64 circles total.
  9. Cut ‘Donut’ Centers: Using a 1-inch round or fluted cookie cutter, cut out the centers of half of the circles (32), creating ‘donut cookies’.
  10. Arrange and Bake: Place the whole circles and the donut cookies on separate baking sheets about 2 inches apart because the donut cookies bake slightly faster. Bake the whole cookies for about 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Bake the donut cookies for about 10 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking. Cool the cookies on the sheets for 5 minutes.
  11. Dust and Cool: Dust the cooled donut cookies with confectioners’ sugar using a sieve or sifter. Transfer all cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
  12. Assemble Cookies: Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of jam on the bottom of each whole cookie. Top each jam-spread cookie gently with a dusted donut cookie to form a sandwich. Press lightly to adhere.
  13. Store: Store assembled cookies tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use your preferred nuts: almonds provide a traditional flavor, while pistachios add a vibrant color and unique taste.
  • For a firmer dough, chill longer; for easier rolling, let the dough sit at room temperature briefly after chilling.
  • If dough cracks when rolling, let it rest a few minutes to soften.
  • Choose your favorite jam flavor such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for delicious variety.
  • Cookies can be frozen before or after assembling for convenient make-ahead treats.
  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for proper creaming with sugar.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 21 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Austrian

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/classic-linzer-cookies-recipe/