Amazing Linzer Cookies: 150 Calorie Treat

Oh, Linzer cookies! Just saying the name brings back a flood of cozy holiday memories. There’s something so utterly charming and special about these delicate little beauties, isn’t there? Especially when they’re filled with a luscious dollop of jam and dusted with a whisper of powdered sugar. Seriously, they’re total showstoppers for any Christmas cookie platter. These aren’t just any holiday treats; they’re a little piece of history! Originating way back in Austria, they’re one of the oldest cookies out there. Trust me, after years of perfecting my own batch, I can tell you that making them is just as rewarding as eating them.

Why You’ll Love These Linzer Cookies

Seriously, you’re going to want to make these Linzer cookies! They’re:

• Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, these come together really easily.
• Deliciously Unique: That hint of almond with sweet jam? Perfection!
• Festive & Pretty: They look absolutely stunning on a Christmas cookie tray.
• Perfect for the Holidays: They’re the ultimate holiday treat that everyone will rave about.

Gather Your Ingredients for Perfect Linzer Cookies

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! For the most amazing Linzer cookies, you’ll want to grab a few things. Having quality ingredients really does make a difference, trust me. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the cookie dough itself:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, make sure it’s nice and soft so it creams well!
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use the good stuff if you have it!)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – this is key for that classic Linzer flavor!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

And for that delicious filling:

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam, or really, any jam you love. Apricot or strawberry are fantastic too!
• Powdered sugar for dusting later, if you’re feeling fancy.

Essential Equipment for Making Linzer Cookies

Alright, so you’ve got your ingredients ready? Awesome! Now, let’s chat about what you’ll need to actually make these fantastic Linzer cookies. You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets, but a few things will make your life so much easier. I always grab my stand mixer – it makes creaming that butter and sugar a breeze. You’ll also want a good rolling pin (nothing too sticky!), some cookie cutters (a classic round and a smaller one for the center are perfect!), and baking sheets. Oh, and parchment paper is your best friend for easy cleanup!

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Linzer Cookies

Okay, deep breaths, we’re getting into the heart of it! Making these Linzer cookies is a process, but a really fun one. Nothing beats that moment when you pull these beauties out of the oven. It’s also a great recipe to get the kids involved with, especially the cutting and assembling part. Remember to check out some easy recipes if you need any quick baking inspiration along the way!

Preparing the Linzer Cookie Dough

First things first, let’s get that dough made. In your big mixer bowl (or if you’re feeling brave, just a good sturdy bowl with a wooden spoon!), cream together that softened butter and sugar until it’s all light and fluffy. Think pale yellow and airy, like a sweet cloud! Then, beat in the egg, vanilla, and that crucial almond extract. Don’t forget the salt! Next, gradually add your flour, mixing just until it all comes together. Seriously, resist the urge to overmix – we want tender cookies, not tough ones. Pop the dough into two flat discs, wrap ’em up tight, and let them chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is super important; cold dough is way easier to work with!

Shaping and Cutting Your Linzer Cookies

Now for the fun part – making them look like actual cookies! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get some parchment paper ready on your baking sheets. Take one chilled dough disc out and roll it on a lightly floured surface to about a quarter-inch thick. Not too thin, not too thick – aim for something that feels substantial but will bake up delicate. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For those classic Linzer cookies, remember to grab a smaller cutter to make a little window in half of your shapes. This is where they show off their jammy hearts!

Baking the Linzer Cookies to Perfection

Carefully place your cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Give them a little space so they don’t all mush together. Pop them into the hot oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to just start turning a lovely light golden brown. Don’t overbake them; they’ll keep cooking a bit on the hot pan. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes – this is key so they don’t fall apart – and then gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here, my friends!

Assembling Your Jam-Filled Linzer Cookies

Alright, the grand finale! Once your cookies are totally cool – and I mean *completely* cool, otherwise that jam will get melty and messy – it’s time to assemble. Grab one of your solid bottom cookies and spread a nice, even layer of your chosen jam on it. My favorite is raspberry, but honestly, any fruity jam will be delicious. Then, take one of those pretty cut-out top cookies and gently place it on top. It’s like giving them a little hug! If you want that extra festive touch, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Voilà!

Tips for the Best Linzer Cookies

Okay, so we’ve gone through the steps, but let me give you a few little secrets to make your Linzer cookies absolutely *chef’s kiss* perfect! First off, don’t skimp on chilling the dough. I know it’s tempting to rush, but that hour (or even longer if it’s warm!) in the fridge is crucial. It stops them from spreading like crazy and makes them so much easier to cut. If your dough still feels a bit sticky when you roll it, don’t be afraid to add just a *tiny* bit more flour to your surface and rolling pin – but seriously, just a whisper! And for that gorgeous jam center, make sure your jam isn’t too runny. A thicker jam holds its shape better. If you have a super thin jam, you can let it sit in a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken it up a bit. Also, when you’re cutting out those centers, try to do it quickly so the dough doesn’t warm up too much in your hands. These little tricks help ensure your Linzer cookies are the showstoppers they’re meant to be! Don’t forget to check out more amazing dessert recipes for more inspiration!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Linzer Cookies

Let’s chat about ingredients for a sec, because sometimes you need a little tweak, right? For that classic Linzer cookie flavor, almond extract is king, but if you’re not a huge almond fan or can’t find it, you can totally bump up the vanilla extract a bit, or even try a touch of lemon zest for a different brightness. Now, about the flour – this recipe calls for all-purpose, but for an extra nutty, authentic taste, you could swap out about half a cup for almond flour. Just be aware it might make the dough a little more delicate. And the jam! Raspberry is divine, but don’t feel limited. Apricot, strawberry, cherry, or even a nice fig jam can be absolutely spectacular. Just make sure it’s a thicker jam so it doesn’t ooze out everywhere. Gotta keep those jammy hearts happy!

Making Linzer Cookies Ahead and Storage

So, can you get a head start on these festive beauties? Absolutely! The dough itself freezes like a dream. Just wrap those discs up super tight and pop them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge. Baked cookies? Store ’em in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. Actually, they often taste even better the next day! For longer storage, you can freeze the baked, unfllled cookies. Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Then assemble with jam and dust with sugar just before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions About Linzer Cookies

Got questions about these gorgeous Linzer cookies? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask when they’re diving into this recipe. If you’re curious about anything else, feel free to check out our about page or get in touch!

Can I make these Linzer cookies vegan?

You know, I haven’t personally tried it, but I bet you could! You’d likely need to swap out the butter for a good vegan butter substitute and use an egg replacer, like a flax egg or applesauce. The texture might change a little, but it’s definitely worth a shot for some vegan Christmas cookies!

How do I prevent my Linzer cookies from spreading too much?

That’s a super common baking puzzle! The biggest trick is making sure your dough is well-chilled. If it’s cold and firm, it won’t spread as much. Also, don’t over-cream your butter and sugar, and be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. A little bit of flour on your rolling surface helps too, just don’t go overboard. These steps help keep your decorated cookies looking sharp!

What are the best jams to use for Linzer cookies?

Honestly, the jam is where you can have a lot of fun! Raspberry is classic and has a lovely tartness that balances the sweet cookie. But apricot, strawberry, cherry, or even a nice blackberry jam are fantastic choices. Just try to use a jam that’s not too runny or watery so it holds its shape nicely in your holiday treats. If your jam is a bit too liquid, try simmering it gently for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Can I make the dough for these Linzer cookies ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can make the dough, divide it into discs, wrap them well, and keep them in the fridge for about 3 days, or even freeze them for up to a month. It actually makes them easier to handle when you’re ready to bake!

Nutritional Information for Linzer Cookies

Okay, so we all know these Linzer cookies are totally delicious, but it’s good to have an idea of what’s in them! Here’s an *estimated* breakdown per cookie, keeping in mind that exact numbers can hop around depending on the exact brands and amounts you use. You can find more details on how we handle your data on our privacy policy page.

Per cookie (approximate):

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 2g

Share Your Linzer Cookie Creations!

Alright, now it’s YOUR turn! I absolutely *love* seeing what you whip up in your kitchens. Did you make these Linzer cookies? Did you try a different jam or add a special touch? Please, please leave a comment below and tell me all about it! And if you share a pic on social media, tag me so I can see your gorgeous holiday treats! By using this site, you agree to our terms of service.

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