Name: Linzer Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Austrian
Ingredients: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, firmly packed; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup (67 g) almond flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup (160 g) raspberry jam; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Ingredients

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

3 tablespoons light brown sugar, firmly packed

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

⅔ cup (67 g) almond flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup (160 g) raspberry jam

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.

Step 3: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.

Step 4: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc at a time to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a 2 ½-inch round cutter to cut cookies, and on half of them, make a smaller center cutout with a small cutter to create windows.

Step 5: Place the cutout and whole cookies separately on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to ensure even baking.

Step 6: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Dust powdered sugar over the cutout cookies if desired. Spread raspberry jam evenly on the bottom (flat) side of the whole cookies, then top each with a cutout cookie to form a sandwich.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade Linzer cookies!

Tips & Variations

Use different jams like apricot or strawberry for a flavorful twist.

For a nuttier taste, toast the almond flour lightly before adding it to the dough.

If dough is too sticky to roll, chill it longer or dust the rolling surface with a bit more flour.

Make sure to bake cutout cookies separately from whole ones to prevent over- or under-baking.

For extra crispness, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the dough.

FAQs

Can I make Linzer cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

What can I use if I don’t have almond flour?

If almond flour isn’t available, finely ground blanched almonds or pecans can be used as a substitute, though it may slightly change the texture. For a nut-free option, consider omitting it and increasing all-purpose flour slightly, though the flavor will vary.