Linzer Cookies: The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Introduction

If you’re looking for the perfect treat to impress your family, friends, and guests, look no further than Linzer Cookies. These delicious cookies are a traditional Austrian dessert that are perfect for any occasion. With a buttery almond-flavored dough and a sweet raspberry filling, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Linzer Cookies for 4 portions:

• 200g all-purpose flour
• 200g ground almonds
• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as possible. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more cookies.
8. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
9. Using a smaller cookie cutter or a knife, cut a small shape out of the center of half of the cookies.
10. Place all the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once the cookies are cool, spread a small amount of raspberry jam on each of the solid cookies. Dust the cookies with the cut-out centers with powdered sugar, then place them on top of the jam-covered cookies to create a sandwich.

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, try one of these variations:

• Hazelnut Linzer Cookies: Substitute hazelnuts for almonds in the dough and use hazelnut spread instead of raspberry jam.
• Chocolate Linzer Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough and use chocolate ganache instead of raspberry jam.
• Orange Linzer Cookies: Add the zest of one orange to the dough and use orange marmalade instead of raspberry jam.
• Vegan Linzer Cookies: Use vegan butter and an egg substitute, such as flaxseed meal, to make the dough vegan. Use a vegan-friendly jam or spread for the filling.

Conclusion

Linzer Cookies are a delicious and impressive treat that are perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make these traditional Austrian cookies right in your own kitchen. So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ

What are Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are a type of sandwich cookie made with a buttery shortbread dough and a layer of fruit preserves. They originated in Austria and are traditionally made with raspberry preserves, but can also be made with other fruit preserves.

Can I use a different type of fruit preserve?

Yes, you can use any type of fruit preserve you like. Some popular options include strawberry, apricot, and blackberry.

Can I substitute the almonds with a different type of nut?

Yes, you can use any type of nut you like. Hazelnuts are a popular alternative to almonds in Linzer cookies.

Can I make Linzer cookies without a cookie cutter?

Yes, you can use the rim of a glass or a biscuit cutter to cut out the cookies if you don’t have a Linzer cookie cutter.

How do I store Linzer cookies?

Linzer cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make Linzer cookies in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

How long do I need to chill the dough before rolling it out?

The dough should be chilled for at least 1 hour before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but you may need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Margarine can be used in place of butter, but it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 20-24 sandwich cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.