Homemade Linzer Cookies

Do you crave a cookie that melds a buttery crunch with a delightful jam filling? Look no further than Homemade Linzer Cookies! These charming treats are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a sight for sore eyes with their characteristic cutout shape that reveals the sweet fruit filling. Did you know that Linzer Cookies trace their origins back to Linz, Austria? They were inspired by a nutty pie recipe, making them a cross between cookie and pastry that will keep you reaching for one more. What’s even better is that they are perfect for family gatherings, and everyone can participate in spreading the jam! If you love a simple yet impressive treat, you might also enjoy my other cookie recipes, like the classic Butter Cookies, which offer a different but equally satisfying experience.

What are Homemade Linzer Cookies?

Have you ever wondered where the name “Linzer” comes from? It’s like asking where chocolate chip cookies got their name—delicious, yet puzzling! The Linzer Cookie is supposedly inspired by the famous Linzer Torte, with its nutty crust and sweet filling. But let’s be honest: it’s not just a history lesson; the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these cookies are a sure winner. These treats are not only delightful to eat, but they also provide a fun opportunity for the whole family to get involved in the kitchen. So, why not roll up your sleeves and get baking?

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Linzer Cookies

Homemade Linzer Cookies are a true standout in the cookie lineup. The tender, crumbly texture of the cookies is perfectly complemented by the sweet, fruity center. Imagine biting into a cookie that melts in your mouth and has a little burst of jam waiting for you! Not to mention, baking at home saves you money compared to buying a box of cookies at the store. And let’s talk about the toppings. You can get creative with different jam fillings—raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd! Each variation offers something new and exciting, reminiscent of other classic cookies like Thumbprint Cookies, but with a unique twist. Ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious cookies? Let’s get started!

How to Make Homemade Linzer Cookies

Quick Overview

Making Homemade Linzer Cookies is both easy and satisfying. The combination of almond flour and butter creates a tender cookie with a delightful crunch, paired with your favorite jam for a sweet surprise. The preparation time is about 30 minutes, making it a great option for when you’re mid-winter evenings or family gatherings.

Key Ingredients for Homemade Linzer Cookies

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – A necessity for structure.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides that rich flavor and soft texture.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – For that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
• 1 large egg – To bind everything together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor (make sure it’s alcohol-free).
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional) – For a fresh, aromatic note.
• ½ cup almond flour – Brings a delightful nuttiness.
• ½ cup fruit jam (your choice) – Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry work beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and almond flour until the dough begins to form.
2. Chill: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is crucial, as it will prevent the dough from spreading too much while baking.
3. Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, take the dough out and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter and cut out the centers of half of the cookies with a smaller shaped cutter.
4. Bake: Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Assemble: Spread a teaspoon of your chosen jam on the whole cookies and place the cookies with cutouts on top to create a sandwich. Dust the top of the cutout cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Top Tips for Perfecting Homemade Linzer Cookies

• Substitutions: If you don’t have almond flour, you can use finely ground oats or sunflower seed flour as a nut-free option, keeping it Halal-friendly.
• Timing: Don’t skip the chilling step; it makes a big difference in texture! If you’re short on time, chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Common Mistakes: The dough may feel sticky; avoid adding too much flour. It should be soft but manageable. If necessary, flour your workspace lightly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

After baking these delightful Homemade Linzer Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, they freeze beautifully! Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. Reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for just a couple of minutes.

Now that you’re armed with the recipe and tips, it’s time to gather the family, don the aprons, and whip up a batch of delicious Homemade Linzer Cookies! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and your family will love these gems. Happy baking!

Homemade Linzer Cookies

Delightful cookies with a buttery crunch and sweet fruit jam filling, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 12 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Austrian

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour A necessity for structure.
• 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened Provides that rich flavor and soft texture.
• 1 cup powdered sugar For that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
• 1 large egg To bind everything together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds a lovely depth of flavor (make sure it's alcohol-free).
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional) For a fresh, aromatic note.
• 0.5 cups almond flour Brings a delightful nuttiness.

Filling Ingredients

• 0.5 cups fruit jam (your choice) Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry work beautifully.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing well.
3. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and almond flour until the dough begins to form.

Chill

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Roll and Cut

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Once chilled, take the dough out and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
3. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter and cut out the centers of half of the cookies with a smaller shaped cutter.

Bake

1. Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
3. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Assemble

1. Spread a teaspoon of your chosen jam on the whole cookies and place the cookies with cutouts on top to create a sandwich.
2. Dust the top of the cutout cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Notes

Substitutions: Use finely ground oats or sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option. Timing: Don't skip the chilling step; it makes a big difference in texture! If short on time, chill for at least 30 minutes. Common Mistakes: The dough may feel sticky; avoid adding too much flour. It should be soft but manageable.