Name: Linzer Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (128g) almond flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2/3 cup (138g) sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1 large egg; 1 tsp lemon zest; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Jam, any flavor, for filling

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You should notice a color change indicating it’s ready.

Step 3: Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Shape the dough into a disk about 1-inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour or until chilled.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 7: Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness. This keeps the dough from drying out and makes clean rolling easier.

Step 8: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough. Half should be solid cookies, and half should have cutouts in the center. If the dough softens, chill it in the freezer for about 5 minutes before cutting again. Re-roll scraps and repeat until all dough is used.

Step 9: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Baking time varies with cookie size and thickness, so watch carefully.

Step 10: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Dust the top cookies with cutouts lightly with powdered sugar. Spread jam onto the solid cookies, then sandwich each with a cutout cookie on top.

Tips & Variations

Using parchment paper to roll the dough keeps the surface clean and can help prevent the dough from drying out.

Chilling the dough before cutting helps maintain clean edges and makes the cookies easier to handle.

Try different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for varied taste experiences.

For extra almond flavor, toast the almond flour lightly before mixing it into the dough.

Storage

Store assembled Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If refrigerated, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unassembled cookie layers for up to three months and assemble them fresh when ready.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour with hazelnut or walnut flour for a different nutty flavor, but it may slightly alter the texture.

Why do Linzer cookies need both vanilla and almond extract?

The combination of vanilla and almond extract enhances the cookie’s flavor profile, giving it a rich and distinctive taste that balances the nutty and buttery elements.