Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies – Baking with Blondie
Soft, buttery Linzer cookies are like little bites of happiness! With their delicate almond-flavored dough and sweet fruit filling, they are a classic treat that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies hold a special place in any dessert lover’s heart. Their charming appearance and delightful taste make them perfect for sharing and enjoying—all while creating beautiful memories in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe special
If you’re on the fence about baking, let me share why these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies should be on your radar. First of all, they are surprisingly delightful to make, and the aroma of baked cookies wafting through your home is unbeatable! Compared to other baking projects, these cookies are relatively quick to prepare, and they’re packed with flavor. Kids adore their sweetness and whimsical look, making them an excellent choice for family baking sessions. Plus, they are budget-friendly, which is a bonus for any home cook!
“These were the best cookies I’ve ever made! The texture was soft, and the raspberry jam filling was just divine. I couldn’t believe how easy they were to make!” – Happy Baker
Step-by-step overview
Making Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies is a rewarding experience that starts with a simple dough and transforms into delightful treats perfect for any occasion. The process involves making the dough, chilling it, rolling it out, cutting shapes, baking, and then filling them up with your favorite jam.
Here’s how this delicious recipe comes together:
- Prepare the dough and let it chill.
- Roll it out and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake until lightly golden.
- Fill with jam and dust with powdered sugar.
What you’ll need
To create your Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit jam (like raspberry or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Feel free to experiment with different jams or even make your own!
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well to combine.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, making sure to cut out a center from half of the cookies for the tops.
- Bake the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for around 10-12 minutes, or until they are just lightly golden on the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread a teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam on the bottom of each whole cookie, and then place the top cookie on it. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
These soft Linzer cookies are not only delicious on their own, but they also shine when paired with a few beverages or served on a dessert platter. For a delightful coffee break, enjoy them with a nice cup of tea or coffee. If you’re serving them at a gathering, consider adding a plate of mixed fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
How to store & freeze
Keeping your Linzer cookies fresh is easy! Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the fully assembled cookies. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them defrost in the refrigerator and then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tricks for success
- Ensure your butter is softened properly at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the cookies maintain their shape when baked.
- Experiment with different jams to find your favorite flavor combination.
Creative twists
Feel free to personalize your Linzer cookies! You can switch up the flavor by using different extracts (like lemon or orange), or try various fruit fillings such as strawberry, blueberry, or cherry. For a nutty twist, you can add finely chopped nuts to the dough. Additionally, replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a sweeter, richer taste!
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prep these cookies?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, plus an additional hour for chilling the dough. Overall, you can expect about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, including baking and cooling time.
Can I use a different type of butter or margarine?
You can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture might differ slightly. Aim for unsalted kinds to maintain the balance of flavors.
How can I adjust this recipe for a gluten-free version?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The final texture may vary, but it should work well in this recipe.
With all these details in hand, it’s time to unleash those baking skills. Happy baking!
Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well to combine.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, ensuring to cut out a center from half of the cookies for the tops.
- Bake the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for around 10-12 minutes, or until they are just lightly golden on the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread a teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam on the bottom of each whole cookie, then place the top cookie on it.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
