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My love affair with Linzer cookies began years ago and I still get excited every time I make them. These gorgeous sandwich cookies might look fancy but I promise they're easier than you think. The buttery cookie base literally melts in your mouth and when paired with sweet jam it creates pure magic. Whether you make them with ground nuts or without they're guaranteed to be the showstopper on your cookie platter.
From Austria With Love
I adore how these cookies connect us to generations of bakers from Linz Austria. Each time I make them I think about all the hands that have rolled this dough before mine. The combination of nuts cinnamon and bright jam creates something truly special that's stood the test of time. They bring such elegance to any cookie plate.
Everything You Need
- Butter: Make sure it's perfectly softened for the best texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Half a cup works magic with brown sugar.
- Brown Sugar: Just a quarter cup adds wonderful depth.
- Ground Cinnamon: A touch makes everything cozy.
- Vanilla Extract: For that lovely sweet aroma.
- Flour: Sift it for the most delicate cookies.
- Almond Flour: Or use cornstarch for nut free version.
- Cornstarch: My secret for extra tender cookies.
- Salt: Just enough to make flavors sing.
- Jam: Use your favorite I love raspberry.
- Powdered Sugar: For that pretty snowy finish.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Start with the basics:
- Get your butter and sugars super fluffy then add cinnamon and vanilla.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- Whisk your flours cornstarch and salt then slowly mix into the butter mixture.
- Give it a rest:
- Wrap that dough up tight and let it chill it makes such a difference.
- Time to shape:
- Roll it out cut your cookies remember half need windows.
- Into the oven:
- Watch for those golden edges they're quick to bake.
- The fun part:
- Dust those tops with sugar spread jam on the bases and sandwich them together.
My Best Baking Secrets
Take care with measuring ingredients and don't skip chilling the dough. Warm butter makes sticky dough that's hard to handle. My favorite trick is dusting the tops with sugar before adding jam it keeps everything looking pristine.
Make Them Your Own
While raspberry jam is traditional I love playing with different fillings. Sometimes I'll use chocolate ganache or Nutella for a change. During the holidays I'll even fill them with dulce de leche it's absolutely heavenly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these cookies without nuts?
- Yes, you can omit the almond flour and increase cornstarch to 4 tablespoons. The cookies will still be delicious with this nut-free adaptation.
- → Can I use different fillings?
- Yes, while raspberry jam is traditional, you can use chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, Nutella, or other jam flavors.
- → How far ahead can I make the dough?
- The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it warm slightly if it becomes too firm to roll.
- → Why bake the cutout tops separately?
- Baking cutout and solid cookies separately ensures even baking since they may bake at slightly different rates.
- → How should I store these cookies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days or longer in the refrigerator. Add powdered sugar just before serving.
Conclusion
Linzer cookies are traditional Austrian sandwich cookies characterized by their delicate, buttery texture and vibrant jam filling. These elegant treats are typically made with almond-based dough and feature decorative cutout tops that reveal the colorful jam underneath.