During the festive season, the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, adding a touch of magic to holiday gatherings. One beloved traditional Austrian treat that never fails to delight both young and old is the Linzer Cookies. These delicate, buttery cookies sandwiched with sweet jam and elegantly dusted with powdered sugar are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Let’s bake up a batch of these delightful treats and bring a taste of Austrian holiday cheer to your home.
Linzer Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup ground almonds or hazelnuts
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds or hazelnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each portion into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Using a Linzer cookie cutter or a round cutter for the base and a smaller cutter with a decorative cutout for the top, cut out an equal number of cookie tops and bottoms.
9. Place the cookie cutouts on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of jam on the bottom side of each base cookie, leaving a small border around the edges.
12. Gently press a decorated cookie top onto the jam-covered base cookie to create a sandwich.
13. Repeat with the remaining cookies until all are assembled.
14. Dust the tops of the cookies generously with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Serve these delightful Linzer Cookies on a beautiful platter alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a classic holiday treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. These cookies also make lovely edible gifts when packed in decorative boxes or jars tied with festive ribbons. Enjoy the tender crumb of the buttery cookies and the burst of fruity jam with each bite, savoring the flavors of the season.
With their charming appearance and delectable taste, Linzer Cookies are a wonderful addition to any Christmas celebration, creating cherished memories with every bite. So, gather your baking essentials and embark on a delightful journey to make these classic Austrian cookies that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. Happy baking!
