Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe

If you have been searching high and low for a cookie that combines nutty richness, tender crumb, and a generous burst of fruity jam, then this Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. These delicate Austrian-inspired sandwich cookies are truly a delight, featuring buttery almond dough with a hint of vanilla and almond extract, all generously filled with luscious seedless jam. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or a special occasion, these cookies bring out the best of classic charm and homemade love in every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—from the creamy butter that ensures softness, to the almond flour which delivers a rich, nutty texture, creating a cookie that’s both tender and satisfying.

• 1 cup butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base essential for tender cookies.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting): Adds sweetness and a delicate texture to the dough and a beautiful finish on the tops.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Gives a subtle caramel note and moisture to the dough.
• 2 egg yolks: Bind ingredients while enriching the dough.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons almond extract: Imparts that signature nutty flavor characteristic of Linzer cookies.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting aroma and enhances overall flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Provides the structure for tender yet sturdy cookies.
• 1 and 1/4 cups blanched almond flour: Creates a tender crumb and signature nuttiness.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors of nuts and jam.
• 1/2 cup seedless jam (any flavor): Perfect for sandwiching the cookies and adding a sweet, fruity contrast.

How to Make Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by beating the softened butter in a large bowl or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for a fluffy texture, so scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing.

Step 2: Add Sugars

Next, add the powdered sugar and brown sugar. Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and beautifully fluffy. This aeration results in a tender crumb.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks and Extracts

Now, mix in the egg yolks along with almond and vanilla extracts. These ingredients bring richness and that unmistakable almond aroma we love in Linzer cookies.

Step 4: Prepare Flours and Salt

Measure the all-purpose and almond flours carefully with the spoon-and-level method. Mix them gently with kosher salt to avoid any pockets of salt that might give an uneven flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Using the mixer, blend the wet and dry components just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookie tender, as too much mixing can make them tough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic, and chill for 1-2 hours until firm. Chilling firms the dough for easier rolling and enhances the flavor.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

After letting the dough soften slightly, roll it out thin to about 1/8 inch on a lightly floured surface or between sheets of parchment paper. Thin dough results in delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 8: Cut the Cookies

Use a 2-inch cookie cutter for the base rounds and a smaller cutter to cut out centers from half of them, forming the classic Linzer cookie windows. Save scraps to reroll.

Step 9: Chill Cut Dough

Place the cut cookies onto lined baking sheets and chill again for 5-15 minutes. This essential step keeps the cookies from spreading and ensures a tender texture.

Step 10: Bake Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe

Bake the cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes. They should lose their shine but stay pale with no browning, preserving their delicate texture perfectly.

Step 11: Cool and Dust

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before moving them to a rack. Then, dust the cut-out tops generously with powdered sugar to add visual charm and sweetness.

Step 12: Assemble with Jam

Smooth your seedless jam and spread a teaspoon on each whole cookie base. Gently press the powdered sugar tops on, creating those irresistibly pretty sandwich cookies that beckon with every glance.

How to Serve Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the cookie tops is classic, but for a festive touch, you can sprinkle edible glitter or finely chopped nuts around the edges. Fresh berries on the side also complement the fruity jam beautifully.

Side Dishes

Linzer cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, as their delicate sweetness balances the warmth of the beverage. For a more decadent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Linzer cookies on a tiered dessert stand or placing them in clear jars tied with festive ribbons as thoughtful gifts. For holiday flair, stack them with alternating jam flavors or sandwich a thin layer of flavored buttercream beneath the jam for an extra-special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh, only assemble with jam right before serving if you expect to keep them longer than a day, as moisture from the jam can soften the cookies over time.

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked dough discs and assembled cookies. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. After thawing, bake as usual. For baked cookies, freeze assembled Linzer sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container.

Reheating

Linzer cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to revive slightly softened ones, let them come to room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can make them too soft or greasy. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture retention.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour is essential in this Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe because it creates the tender, nutty crumb that defines Linzer cookies. Using regular flour alone will result in a different texture and flavor.

What jams work best for Linzer cookies?

Seedless raspberry jam is traditional and highly recommended, but apricot, strawberry, or even mixed berry jams work beautifully. Just be sure they’re seedless for smooth filling.

How thin should I roll out the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. This thinness ensures delicate, tender cookies that aren’t too chewy or dense.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking, which ensures the cookies keep their iconic shape and tender texture.

Can I make these cookies without an almond extract?

While almond extract is key to the signature flavor in the Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe, if you don’t have it, try increasing the vanilla a little and adding a small amount of finely ground almonds to the dough to mimic that flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Linzer Cookies Recipe is a heartfelt invitation to bring some old-world charm and sweetness into your baking routine. With simple ingredients and just a little patience, these cookies come together as delightful treats that will surely impress friends and family. Trust me, once you try them, they will become your go-to cookie for celebrations big and small.

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