Linzer Cookies Recipe
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Linzer Cookies, a classic treat that embodies the essence of baking with love. These charming, jam-filled cookies, with their nutty almond flavor and delicate icing sugar dusting, are perfect for any occasion, especially tea time. With a preparation time of just over an hour and a cooking time of only 16 minutes, these cookies are not only delicious but also relatively simple to make. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them alone, Linzer Cookies are sure to bring joy to your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 110 grams (or 1/2 cup) at room temperature |
| Caster Sugar | 50 grams |
| Milk | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Almond Meal (Badam Powder) | 100 grams |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1-1/4 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Jam (or preserves) | 1/4 cup |
| Icing Sugar | 2 tablespoons (to dust) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities.
Preparation Steps
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Sifting the Dry Ingredients: Begin by sifting together the all-purpose flour, almond meal, and salt in a medium bowl. This process ensures that all ingredients are well-combined and free from lumps, leading to a smoother cookie dough.
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Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for efficiency, or a wooden spoon for a more traditional approach.
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Incorporating Wet Ingredients: Add the milk and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until thoroughly combined.
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Combining Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour and almond mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until a soft dough forms. This step is crucial to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
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Chilling the Dough: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and shape.
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Rolling Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Make sure the surface is well-floured to prevent sticking.
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Cutting Out Shapes: Using a cookie cutter, cut out desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined or greased cookie sheet, leaving about 1-1/2 inches between each cookie. Re-roll the scraps and cut out additional cookies until all dough is used.
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Creating the Centers: For half of the cookies, use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the center. This will create the iconic Linzer Cookie look. You can either bake these centers as mini cookies or re-roll the dough to create more shapes.
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Chilling Before Baking: To maintain their shape while baking, chill the cookie sheet with the cut-out shapes for an additional 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes.
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Preheating the Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring it’s hot and ready for baking.
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Baking the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through (around 8 minutes) for even baking. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges.
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Cooling the Cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the pan for 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents them from breaking when moved.
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Assembling the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a teaspoon of your chosen jam or preserves on the underside of each whole cookie. Dust the tops of the cookies with cut-out centers using icing sugar for a decorative touch.
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Sandwiching and Serving: Gently sandwich the jam-covered whole cookies with the ones topped with icing sugar. Enjoy your Linzer Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, sharing them with loved ones or indulging yourself in a moment of sweet bliss.
Enjoying Linzer Cookies
These exquisite Linzer Cookies not only taste heavenly but also present beautifully on any dessert table. Their delightful combination of buttery almond dough and sweet jam filling creates a treat that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. So whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this Linzer Cookies recipe is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire.
Embrace the joy of baking with these cookies, as each bite encapsulates love and warmth, making them a cherished snack for all who enjoy them. Happy baking!
