In the heart of Austria, holiday festivities are synonymous with the delightful scent of freshly baked goods wafting from kitchens. Austrian Christmas baking is a cherished tradition that brings families together to create an array of delicious treats, each holding a special place in the seasonal celebrations. To immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Austria, we present you with a timeless recipe that encapsulates the essence of Christmas in the alpine region.
Title: Linzer Cookies – A Classic Austrian Christmas Delight
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of butter, softened
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of ground almonds
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest
– 1/2 cup of raspberry jam
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating well until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually mix in the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and lemon zest until a smooth dough forms.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out an even number of cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller round cutter to remove the centers, creating a ring shape.
8. Place the whole cookies on a baking sheet, then spread a small amount of raspberry jam on each one, leaving a border around the edges.
9. Top with the ring-shaped cookies to create sandwich pairs, gently pressing together to seal the jam.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, dust the tops of the cookies with confectioners’ sugar for a festive finish.
These Linzer Cookies are a quintessential Austrian Christmas treat, known for their delicate buttery texture and sweet raspberry filling that peek through the charming cut-out window. Whether enjoyed with a cup of warm spiced tea or shared as gifts with loved ones, these cookies carry the warmth and love of the holiday season within each tender bite. Embrace the art of Austrian baking this Christmas and create your own culinary traditions with this delightful recipe steeped in nostalgia and flavor.
