Description
These Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies are a perfect holiday treat, combining tender, buttery cookies with a rich, fruity jam filling. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or any preferred fruit jam)
For dusting:
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using), and mix until combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter), cut out as many cookies as possible. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out the center (this will be the top cookie layer).
- Bake: Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cookies: Spread a teaspoon of jam on the whole cookies (without a cut-out center) and top with the cookies that have the cut-out centers. Press gently to sandwich them together.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once assembled, dust the top of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy!: Serve and enjoy these delicious, buttery Linzer cookies!
Notes
- You can use any type of jam for the filling, but raspberry and strawberry are traditional choices. Apricot jam also works well!
- The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a fun variation, try different shaped cutters, such as hearts or stars.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian, European