During the Christmas season in the Czech Republic, families gather to create a variety of delicious baked treats to share with loved ones and neighbors. Among the traditional recipes is Linecké Cukroví, reminiscent of Linzer cookies, featuring a delightful jam filling enclosed between two buttery cookie layers. These Linz Style Jam Cookies are perfect for festive gatherings and cozy evenings at home, bringing a touch of European charm to your holiday table.
Linecké Cukroví Linz Style Jam Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 egg yolks
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup jam (apricot or raspberry)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg yolks one at a time, incorporating each one fully before adding the next.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of fragrant sweetness.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll out one of the dough disks on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
9. Use cookie cutters to cut out an equal number of shapes for the top and bottom cookies. For half of the cookies, cut out a smaller shape in the center for the jam filling.
10. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each.
11. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Spread a teaspoon of jam on the bottom cookie, leaving a small border around the edge.
14. Gently press a top cookie over the jam to create a sandwich, allowing some of the jam to peek through the center cut-out.
15. Repeat with the remaining cookies and jam filling.
16. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive finish before serving.
These Linecké Cukroví Linz Style Jam Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire, perfect for sharing with family and friends or as a charming gift from your cozy kitchen. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet jam filling, these treats capture the essence of Christmas traditions from across the globe. Enjoy the process of baking and creating memorable moments with loved ones as you savor these Czech-inspired delights.
