Description
Delight in these classic Raspberry Linzer Cookies, featuring tender almond-spiced shortbread sandwiches filled with sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a sophisticated, buttery treat inspired by Austrian baking traditions.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to create a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, to infuse the dough with flavor and improve texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and nuts.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen cookies.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round or fluted cookie cutter about 2 inches wide to cut cookies. For half, use a smaller cutter to cut out centers for the jam filling window.
- Bake Cookies: Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on a wire rack to firm up before assembly.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam on the bottom halves of the whole cookies. Top with the cutout cookies and gently press together.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, dust the assembled sandwich cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a classic Linzer look and added sweetness.
Notes
- Linzer cookies can be made ahead and assembled just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Store unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to preserve their texture.
- Try other fillings like apricot or strawberry jam for a flavorful variation.
