Introduction: A Taste of European Holiday Tradition
Linzer cookies are a classic holiday favorite that capture the warmth and charm of Christmas. Originating from Austria, these jam-filled cookies have been perfected over generations by European bakers. Their buttery almond dough, delicate shape, and sweet jam center make them a true festive masterpiece. Whether served at holiday gatherings or wrapped as a gift, Linzer cookies never fail to impress.
What Are Linzer Cookies?
Linzer cookies are a variation of the famous Austrian Linzer Torte. They feature two buttery cookies sandwiched together with fruity jam in the center. The top cookie usually has a small cutout—often a heart or star—that reveals the jam beneath. Dusted with powdered sugar, they look as beautiful as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create these irresistible cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Yolks and Vanilla – Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- Form the Dough – Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Chill – Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Cut the Cookies – Roll the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using a round cutter. For half the cookies, cut out a small shape in the center.
- Bake – Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Assemble – Spread jam on the bottom halves. Top with the cutout cookies and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use seedless jam for a smooth, glossy finish.
- Add a touch of lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Linzer cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of jam. They’re elegant, festive, and make a wonderful addition to your Christmas cookie collection. The combination of almond and fruit flavors creates a nostalgic taste that brings warmth to every celebration.
Conclusion: A Holiday Tradition Worth Keeping
Once you bake these Linzer cookies, they’ll become a staple of your holiday season. Their beauty, taste, and history make them a cherished dessert for generations. Share them with loved ones, and keep the sweet European tradition alive in your home.
Classic Linzer Cookies Recipe – A Timeless Christmas Delight
Introduction: A Taste of European Holiday Tradition
Linzer cookies are a classic holiday favorite that capture the warmth and charm of Christmas. Originating from Austria, these jam-filled cookies have been perfected over generations by European bakers. Their buttery almond dough, delicate shape, and sweet jam center make them a true festive masterpiece. Whether served at holiday gatherings or wrapped as a gift, Linzer cookies never fail to impress.
What Are Linzer Cookies?
Linzer cookies are a variation of the famous Austrian Linzer Torte. They feature two buttery cookies sandwiched together with fruity jam in the center. The top cookie usually has a small cutout—often a heart or star—that reveals the jam beneath. Dusted with powdered sugar, they look as beautiful as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create these irresistible cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Yolks and Vanilla – Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- Form the Dough – Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Chill – Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Cut the Cookies – Roll the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using a round cutter. For half the cookies, cut out a small shape in the center.
- Bake – Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Assemble – Spread jam on the bottom halves. Top with the cutout cookies and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use seedless jam for a smooth, glossy finish.
- Add a touch of lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Linzer cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of jam. They’re elegant, festive, and make a wonderful addition to your Christmas cookie collection. The combination of almond and fruit flavors creates a nostalgic taste that brings warmth to every celebration.
Conclusion: A Holiday Tradition Worth Keeping
Once you bake these Linzer cookies, they’ll become a staple of your holiday season. Their beauty, taste, and history make them a cherished dessert for generations. Share them with loved ones, and keep the sweet European tradition alive in your home.
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Classic Linzer Cookies Recipe – A Timeless Christmas Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional Linzer cookies with buttery almond dough and sweet jam filling — a festive European classic.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract; mix well.
3. Whisk flour, almond flour, and salt in another bowl.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients to form dough.
5. Wrap and chill dough for 1 hour.
6. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
7. Cut cookies and make cutouts in half of them.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden.
9. Cool completely on wire racks.
10. Spread jam on bottoms and top with cutout cookies.
11. Dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Use seedless jam for the smoothest texture.
Perfect for Christmas gifts or dessert platters.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
