Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies
Delightful cookies filled with jam, perfect for gatherings or cozy tea time, combining a soft center with a crisp outer layer.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Use unbleached flour for better flavor.
- 1 cup ground nuts (almonds or hazelnuts) Opt for blanched nuts for a smoother texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use at room temperature for a creamy dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Balances beautifully with the nutty flavor.
- 1 large egg Choose organic for the best taste.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Use real vanilla extract for warmth and depth.
- 0.25 tsp salt Enhances all the flavors.
Jam Filling
- 1 cup jam (your choice) Raspberry or apricot are great choices.
- as needed Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Adds a lovely finishing touch.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour, ground nuts, and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together.
Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Roll and Cut
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, creating half of them with an opening.
Bake
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
Cool and Fill
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread a generous layer of your favorite jam on the solid cookie and top it with the cut-out cookie.
Dust and Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Dough can be frozen for up to a month.