Nothing quite beats the feeling of indulging in a delicate, buttery Linzer cookie. With a hint of sweetness and a burst of fruity jam, these Austrian treats are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea on a cozy winter afternoon. Today, we’ll guide you through the process of making your very own Linzer cookies at home. Let’s get baking!
Title: Linzer
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup ground almonds
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
2. Gradually add the ground almonds, flour, cinnamon, and salt to the creamed mixture. Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms. If the dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a Linzer cookie cutter, cut out an equal number of plain rounds and rounds with a small cutout shape in the center.
5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the full rounds (the ones without the cutout). Top each jam-coated cookie with a cutout cookie to create a sandwich.
8. Dust the tops of the cookies with confectioners’ sugar for a festive finishing touch.
9. Store your homemade Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy them with a warm beverage for a delightful treat any time of day!
With their delicate appearance and rich taste, Linzer cookies are a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or afternoon tea. The combination of almond-scented dough and sweet raspberry jam creates a delightful contrast that will impress your guests and leave you wanting more. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and start baking these delicious cookies to add a touch of Austrian charm to your home. Happy baking!
