Introduction

Linzer cookies, named after the Austrian city of Linz, are a beloved treat that combines buttery, tender cookies with a sweet, fruity filling. These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful variation on the classic, featuring a delicate almond-flavored dough and a vibrant raspberry jam filling. With their pretty cutout designs and dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious – perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract

For the filling and dusting:

• 3/4 cup raspberry jam
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Preparation Steps

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible. Transfer the circles to one of the prepared baking sheets.
8. Gather the dough scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting out circles until you have used all the dough.
9. Repeat the process with the second portion of chilled dough. Using a smaller cookie cutter (about 1 inch), cut out the centers of these circles to create a “window” for the jam filling. Transfer the cutout cookies to the second prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Once the cookies are cooled, spread about 1 tsp of raspberry jam on the bottom side of each solid cookie. Dust the cutout cookies with powdered sugar, then place them on top of the jam-filled cookies, creating a sandwich.

Flavor Profile

These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful balance of buttery, nutty, and fruity flavors. The tender, crumbly cookie dough is enriched with almond flour, which adds a subtle nuttiness and a delicate texture. The bright, sweet-tart raspberry jam filling is the perfect complement to the rich, buttery cookies.

The powdered sugar dusting not only adds a pretty finish but also a delightful sweetness that melts on your tongue as you bite into the cookie. The combination of textures – the crisp, crumbly cookies and the smooth, luscious jam – makes these Raspberry Linzer Cookies a truly irresistible treat.

Serving Suggestions

These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are perfect for enjoying in a variety of ways:

• Serve them as a beautiful addition to a holiday cookie platter or dessert table.
• Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Package them in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Experiment with different jam flavors, such as strawberry, apricot, or blackberry, to create a variety of Linzer cookie options.

Variations

• Chocolate Linzer Cookies: Substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Lemon Linzer Cookies: Use lemon curd instead of raspberry jam for a bright, citrusy filling. Add 1 tbsp of lemon zest to the cookie dough for extra lemon flavor.
• Hazelnut Linzer Cookies: Replace the almond flour with hazelnut flour for a different nutty flavor profile. Pair with chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent filling.
• Spiced Linzer Cookies: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of ground cloves to the cookie dough for a warm, spicy variation. Fill with apple butter or pumpkin butter for a fall-inspired treat.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic Austrian treat. With their tender, nutty cookie dough, vibrant raspberry jam filling, and pretty dusting of powdered sugar, they’re sure to impress and delight anyone who tries them. The recipe’s straightforward instructions and the ability to make the dough ahead of time make these cookies an excellent choice for holiday baking or special occasions.

Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them yourself, these Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a delicious way to add a touch of elegance and sweetness to your day. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible, delicate treats. Your taste buds will thank you!