Name: Raspberry Linzer Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, at room temperature; ¾ cup icing sugar, sifted; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted; ½ cup Italian raspberry jam; Extra flour to roll out the dough; Extra icing sugar for dusting

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These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a classic and elegant dessert, perfect for festive gatherings. With buttery shortbread and a sweet layer of raspberry jam peeking through a delicate cutout, they are not only delicious but also visually stunning. The soft texture of the cookies combined with the fruity tartness of the jam creates a wonderful balance of flavors. They are versatile enough to be customized for any holiday or event use different shaped cutouts to suit the occasion, or switch up the jam for a unique twist. These cookies are sure to impress both in taste and appearance, making them a must-bake treat for the holiday season.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, at room temperature
¾ cup icing sugar, sifted

¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

½ cup Italian raspberry jam
Extra flour to roll out the dough
Extra icing sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F.
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, icing sugar, salt, and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Gradually add the sifted flour to the mixture until just combined, forming a dough.

Knead the dough by hand until smooth, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness, using extra flour to prevent sticking.
Cut out circles with a 3-inch cookie cutter, and use a 1 ½-inch cookie cutter for cutouts on half of the circles.

Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 15-20 minutes, until edges are golden.
Once cooled, spread jam on the bottom of each whole cookie. Dust icing sugar over the cutout cookies and place them on top of the jam-filled cookies.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Resting Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 220 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies

A Timeless Holiday Classic

Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful and visually stunning treat that has become a beloved favorite, especially during the holiday season. Originating from Austria, these cookies are a variation of the Linzer Torte, a traditional pastry known for its nutty crust and jam filling. While the original Linzer Torte contains almonds or hazelnuts, the more modern version, Linzer cookies, have evolved to include different variations, often without nuts, while still preserving the signature jam-filled center. The delicate design of the cookie, typically featuring a “peekaboo” cutout on the top layer, allows the vibrant jam filling to shine through, making them not only delicious but also aesthetically pleasing.

The Origins and Cultural Significance of Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies trace their origins to the Austrian city of Linz, which lends its name to the cookies and the Linzer Torte. The Linzer Torte is known as one of the oldest recorded torte recipes, dating back to the 1600s, making it an integral part of European baking history. Linzer cookies are essentially the smaller, more portable version of the torte, consisting of two shortbread-like cookies sandwiched together with a jam filling.

Traditionally, the dough for Linzer cookies contains ground nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts, which add richness and a subtle nuttiness to the overall flavor. The filling is typically a tart fruit jam, with raspberry being the most popular choice. However, as the recipe has spread across the world, many modern versions, such as the one featured in this recipe, omit the nuts for a simpler, more approachable shortbread dough. This adaptation allows the focus to be on the buttery texture of the cookie and the sweet-tart contrast provided by the jam.

In Europe, and particularly in Austria and Germany, Linzer cookies are a staple during the Christmas season. They are often served at holiday gatherings, enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or mulled wine, and given as gifts to friends and family. The versatility of the cookie cutter shapes ranging from stars and hearts to trees and snowflakes makes them perfect for festive occasions, and the use of vibrant red raspberry jam adds a pop of color that enhances their festive appeal.

A Versatile and Customizable Treat

One of the greatest advantages of Linzer cookies is their versatility. While the traditional raspberry filling is a classic choice, there’s no rule that says you can’t get creative with the jam flavors. Depending on the occasion or personal preference, you can experiment with a variety of jams, such as apricot, strawberry, blackberry, or even fig. Each type of jam brings a unique flavor profile to the cookies, allowing you to customize the recipe to suit your taste.

For instance, if you’re making these cookies during the summer months, a tangy apricot or blackberry jam can add a refreshing twist, while fig jam or orange marmalade can bring warmth and depth to the cookies during the winter. You can even experiment with different textures and consistencies of the jam—some people prefer a smooth jam, while others enjoy the small bits of fruit in their filling.

Aside from the filling, the dough itself can be altered to include a variety of flavors. Adding a touch of almond extract or citrus zest to the dough can elevate the flavor and create a more complex taste. In this recipe, the dough is a simple, buttery shortbread without nuts, making it an excellent base for anyone who may have nut allergies or prefers a lighter flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Linzer Cookies

While Linzer cookies are simple to make, a few key tips can help ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time. The first and most important tip is to work with the dough when it’s cold. After mixing the dough, it’s essential to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the butter in the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without the dough becoming too soft or sticky.

When rolling out the dough, be sure to use plenty of flour on both your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll the dough out to a consistent ¼ inch thickness to ensure even baking, and be mindful not to overwork the dough. If the dough becomes too soft, simply return it to the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.

Another important tip is to carefully monitor the cookies while they bake. Linzer cookies are delicate and should be baked until just lightly golden around the edges. Overbaking them can result in a hard, crumbly texture, which takes away from the tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience that these cookies are known for.

After baking, let the cookies cool completely before assembling them with the jam. Spreading the jam on warm cookies can cause the jam to become too runny and the cookies to fall apart. Once the cookies are cooled, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top half (the cookie with the cutout) adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Why Raspberry Jam is a Classic Choice

Raspberry jam is the classic filling for Linzer cookies, and for good reason. The tartness of the raspberries complements the sweetness of the cookie, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The deep red color of the raspberry jam also provides a striking contrast to the pale, golden cookie dough, making these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.

Raspberries have a naturally intense flavor, and when they are cooked down into a jam, their tartness becomes more concentrated. This makes raspberry jam the ideal choice for pairing with the rich, buttery shortbread of Linzer cookies. Additionally, raspberries are often associated with festive occasions, especially around Christmas, due to their bright red color, which adds to the visual appeal of the cookies.

While raspberry jam remains the most popular choice for filling Linzer cookies, feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own homemade jam for an extra special touch.

The Joy of Decorating Linzer Cookies

One of the most fun aspects of making Linzer cookies is decorating them. The cutout in the top layer of the cookie gives you endless opportunities for creativity. Whether you opt for a simple round cutout or a more elaborate design like a snowflake or tree, the peekaboo jam filling adds a delightful element of surprise when you serve the cookies.

During the holiday season, using festive cookie cutters, such as stars, hearts, or Christmas trees, can make these cookies the highlight of any dessert spread. For other occasions, like Valentine’s Day, a heart-shaped cutout with a bright red jam filling makes for a romantic and thoughtful treat. You can even get the kids involved in decorating, allowing them to choose their favorite cookie cutter shapes and help with the assembly process.

Conclusion:

Linzer cookies, with their rich history and simple yet elegant presentation, are a perfect addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, a special occasion, or simply as a treat to enjoy with family, they never fail to impress. The buttery, tender shortbread cookies paired with the sweet and tangy raspberry jam make for a delicious combination that is loved by both kids and adults alike.

In addition to their delightful flavor, Linzer cookies offer a wonderful opportunity for creativity in both taste and appearance. From experimenting with different jams to trying out new cookie cutter shapes, the possibilities are endless. And with their charming peekaboo cutouts and powdered sugar dusting, Linzer cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.