Nothing signifies the festive season quite like the enticing aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies filling the air. Linzerplätzchen, also known as Linz Cookies, originating from the city of Linz, Austria, are a beloved classic that has found its way into German holiday traditions. These delightful treats are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering, with their delicate almond flavor and sweet jam filling. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring a bit of European flair to your Christmas baking this year!
**Linzerplätzchen Linz Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 large egg
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup ground almonds
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
2. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated into the mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. The dough should come together and be slightly tacky.
5. Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
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. Use a Linzer cookie cutter to cut out rounds. For half of the rounds, use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the centers. These will be the tops.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Spread a thin layer of jam on the whole rounds of the cookies. Dust the cut-out cookies with confectioners’ sugar and gently press them on top of the jam-covered cookies.
11. Dust the assembled cookies with additional confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finish.
12. Enjoy these Linzerplätzchen with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine, and savor the warmth of the holiday season!
Linzerplätzchen Linz Cookies are a lovely addition to any Christmas cookie platter, with their delicate appearance and rich almond flavor. These cookies are perfect for gift-giving or for enjoying with loved ones during the holiday season. Embrace the European tradition and create these delightful treats in your own home this Christmas!
