In the world of baking, there’s something special about whipping up a batch of homemade cookies. The aroma wafting through the house, the warmth of the oven, and the satisfaction of a perfect treat waiting to be savored – it’s all a cozy reminder of the simple joys in life. Today, we’re bringing you a delightful recipe for Spitzbuben Cookies. These classic German treats, also known as Linzer cookies, are sandwiched together with a sweet jam filling, making them a perfect companion to your afternoon tea or coffee break. Let’s dive into this recipe and create some irresistible treats that will surely impress your family and friends.
**Spitzbuben Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your preferred flavor)
– Confectioners’ 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 yolks, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Mix well until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough appears too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
4. Divide the dough in half, form each half into a disk shape, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out later.
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 floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out an equal number of cookies in desired shapes – round, heart, star, or any other festive shape you prefer.
7. Using a smaller cutter or a knife, cut out the centers of half the cookies. These will be the tops of your Spitzbuben cookies.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a teaspoon of raspberry jam on the bottom halves of the cookies. Place the top halves with the cutout centers on the jam-coated bottoms to form sandwich cookies.
10. Dust the tops of the cookies with confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a hint of elegance.
Enjoy these delightful Spitzbuben Cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or share them with loved ones as a thoughtful homemade gift. These tender, buttery treats with the fruity jam filling are sure to brighten any moment with their irresistible flavor and charming appearance. Happy baking!
