Introduction
Linzer cookies are a delightful and festive treat that originated in Linz, Austria. These cookies are typically made with a buttery and nutty dough that is filled with fruit jam and dusted with powdered sugar. The traditional shape of Linzer cookies is round with a small hole in the center, which allows the jam to peek through.
Linzer cookies are a popular holiday treat, often served during Christmas or Valentine’s Day. However, they can be enjoyed year-round as a sweet and indulgent snack. Making Linzer cookies from scratch is surprisingly easy, and the end result is a beautiful and delicious homemade treat that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Linzer cookies are simple and can be found in most kitchens. You will need:
- All-purpose flour
- Ground almonds
- Butter
- Sugar
- Egg yolks
- Fruit jam
- Powdered sugar
With these ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a batch of delicious Linzer cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Linzer cookies are made with a buttery dough that is flavored with ground almonds and cinnamon. The dough is easy to make and comes together quickly. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Ground almonds | 1/2 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, at room temperature | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
For the Filling:
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
The filling for Linzer cookies is traditionally made with raspberry jam, but you can use any flavor of jam that you like. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Raspberry jam | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1/4 cup |
That’s it! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these delicious and festive Linzer cookies. Let’s get baking!
Steps to Make Linzer Cookies: Jam-filled and Festive Homemade Treats
Step 1: Making the Dough
The first step to making Linzer cookies is to make the dough. This dough is a mix of flour, ground almonds, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Here’s how to make it:
- Combine the flour, ground almonds, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add the butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add the egg yolks and mix until the dough comes together.
- Flatten the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes before using.
Step 2: Rolling and Cutting Out the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out and cut out the cookies. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness.
- Using a Linzer cookie cutter, cut out an equal number of rounds with a hole in the center and rounds without a hole.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and chill for 10 minutes before baking.
Step 3: Adding the Filling
Linzer cookies are traditionally filled with jam, but you can use any filling you like. Here’s how to add the filling:
- Remove the chilled cookies from the refrigerator and spread a thin layer of jam on the cookies without the hole.
- Top each jam-coated cookie with a cookie with a hole in the center.
Step 4: Baking the Cookies
The final step is to bake the cookies. Here’s how:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it, delicious and festive Linzer cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are a classic holiday treat that everyone loves. These jam-filled cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Linzer cookies:
Tip 1: Chill the Dough
One of the most important steps when making Linzer cookies is to chill the dough before rolling it out. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to handle. It will also prevent the dough from spreading too much during baking. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Tip 2: Use Quality Jam
The jam is the star of the Linzer cookie, so it’s important to use a good quality jam. Choose a jam that is thick and has a strong flavor. Raspberry jam is the traditional choice, but you can use any flavor you like. Make sure the jam is at room temperature before using it to fill the cookies.
Tip 3: Don’t Overfill the Cookies
When filling the cookies with jam, it’s important not to overfill them. If you add too much jam, it will spill out during baking and make a mess. Use a small spoon or a pastry bag to add just enough jam to cover the cookie’s center. Leave a small border around the edge to prevent the jam from overflowing.
Tip 4: Dust with Powdered Sugar
To give your Linzer cookies a festive look, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Use a fine-mesh strainer to sprinkle the sugar evenly over the cookies. This will add a touch of sweetness and make the cookies look beautiful.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfect Linzer cookies every time. They are a great addition to any holiday cookie tray and are sure to impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own batch of delicious Linzer cookies. These jam-filled and festive treats are perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your family and friends.
Tips for Future Baking
If you plan to make Linzer cookies again in the future, here are some tips that might come in handy:
- Make sure the dough is chilled before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin and surface.
- Experiment with different types of jam and nuts to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Don’t overfill the cookies with jam, as it can leak out and make a mess. A teaspoon or less is usually enough.
- Bake the cookies until they are just golden brown around the edges. Overbaking can make them dry and hard.
Enjoy Your Homemade Linzer Cookies
Now that your cookies are ready, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your hard work. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them all to yourself, these Linzer cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling accomplished. Happy baking!