Irresistibly Sweet Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Crafting delectable cherry almond linzer cookies becomes an artistic journey through sweet memories and delightful textures.

Crisp buttery layers sandwich vibrant ruby-red preserves between delicate almond-infused shortbread.

Generations of bakers have cherished this elegant Austrian-inspired treat for its sophisticated presentation.

Elegant yet approachable, these cookies invite playful creativity in the kitchen.

Nutty ground almonds provide a rich, subtle foundation that complements the bright fruit filling.

Decorative cut-outs transform simple ingredients into miniature edible masterpieces that spark joy with every bite.

Dust these delicate beauties with powdered sugar and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary bliss.

FAQs

• What are Linzer cookies?

Linzer cookies are traditional Austrian sandwich cookies made with a buttery, nutty dough and filled with jam, typically featuring a cut-out design on the top cookie that reveals the colorful jam underneath.

• Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, you can substitute cherry jam with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam depending on your preference. The key is to use a high-quality, seedless jam for the best flavor and smooth texture.

• Do I need special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll need basic baking tools like cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and baking sheets. Small decorative cut-out cookie cutters work best for creating the traditional Linzer cookie design.

• How can I ensure my cookies have a perfect texture?

Keep the dough chilled, handle it gently, and avoid overworking it. Chilling helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookie’s delicate shape during baking.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Add Sophistication To Cookie Trays

• Speedy Sweet Treat: Whips up in under an hour, making these cookies perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple steps and basic ingredients mean even novice bakers can create professional-looking cookies without stress.
• Holiday Charm Maker: Delightful for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or family gatherings with their elegant cut-out design and festive powdered sugar finish.
• Versatile Flavor Combo: Combines classic almond and cherry flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a universally loved dessert.

Almond Linzer Cookie Setup

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic wheat flour providing structure and texture for the cookie dough.
• Almond Flour: Adds nutty flavor and tender crumb, making the cookies extra delicate and rich.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy base with essential fat for tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create crisp cookie edges.
• Powdered Sugar: Perfect for elegant dusting and adding subtle sweetness to the finished cookies.

• Egg Yolk: Adds richness, helps bind ingredients, and creates a smooth cookie texture.
• Almond Extract: Intensifies nutty almond flavor throughout the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.

• Cherry Jam: Provides sweet, fruity center that complements the almond notes.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Method

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Set your oven to 350°F to create the perfect baking environment for these delicate cookies.

Step 2: Blend Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, creating a rich base for your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

• Egg yolk
• Almond extract
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Almond flour
• Salt

Work the ingredients until a soft, consistent dough forms.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing it to firm up and become easier to handle.

Step 6: Shape Delicate Cookies

Roll out the chilled dough and use cookie cutters to create beautiful shapes.

For half the cookies, cut out decorative centers to create the traditional Linzer cookie look.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a light golden color.

Step 8: Assemble Sandwich Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled, spread cherry jam on the solid cookie bases.

Carefully place the cut-out top cookies to create a delightful sandwich.

Step 9: Final Elegant Touch

Dust the completed cookies with a soft layer of powdered sugar, adding a beautiful finishing touch to your homemade Linzer cookies.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies The Pro Way

• Refrigerate dough for exactly 30 minutes to ensure perfect texture and prevent spreading during baking.
• Use sharp cookie cutters and twist gently to create clean, crisp edges for professional-looking Linzer cookies.
• Choose high-quality, thick cherry preserves with real fruit chunks for enhanced flavor and beautiful appearance.
• Dust cookies just before serving to keep the powdered sugar crisp and prevent absorption into the jam.
• Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the delicate cookie texture.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Preserve With Ease

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
• Wrap cookies carefully in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their delicate texture and flavor.
• Remove cookies from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, ensuring they regain their original softness.
• Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp edges and enhance the jam's richness.

Flavors That Match Linzer Cookies

• Pair Perfectly with Festive Beverages: Enjoy these delicate linzer cookies alongside a warm mug of spiced chai tea, which complements the almond and cherry flavors beautifully.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Serve these cookies with a chilled glass of moscato wine, its sweet and light notes dancing perfectly with the rich cherry and nutty undertones.
• Indulgent Coffee Companion: Match these linzer cookies with a smooth cappuccino, where the creamy espresso balances the sweet jam and buttery cookie texture, creating a delightful afternoon treat.
• Surprise Flavor Twist: Try a small glass of amaretto liqueur, which echoes the almond extract in the cookies and provides a sophisticated adult pairing that enhances the dessert's delicate flavors.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Edits

• Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour with ground almonds for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg yolk with flax egg, and use plant-based jam for a dairy-free alternative.
• Nutty Variation: Swap almond extract with hazelnut extract and use raspberry jam instead of cherry for a different flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cherry preserves and replace powdered sugar with a light dusting of monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly treat.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies bring Austrian bakery charm to your dessert table with delicate sandwich cookies filled with sweet cherry preserves. Crisp almond-infused shortbread and rich jam create a perfect harmony that melts deliciously in your mouth, inviting you to savor each elegant bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cherry jam
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking equipment by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Incorporate egg yolk, almond extract, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until completely integrated and smooth.
4. Gradually fold in all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt, mixing carefully until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Wrap the prepared dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour to firm up and enhance flavor development.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to an even thickness, then use decorative cookie cutters to create desired shapes.
7. For half of the cookie batch, carefully cut out small centers to create window-like openings.
8. Arrange cookie shapes on prepared baking sheets, leaving slight spacing between each piece.
9. Transfer cookies to the preheated oven and bake until edges turn delicately golden, approximately 10-12 minutes.
10. Remove cookies and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
11. Spread cherry jam generously on the solid cookie bases, then gently place the cut-out cookie tops to create elegant sandwich cookies.
12. Finish by dusting the assembled cookies with a light snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving.

Notes

• Softening butter at room temperature ensures smoother, easier mixing and a more consistent cookie texture.
• Chilling dough is crucial for preventing spread and maintaining intricate cookie cutter shapes during baking.
• Use high-quality cherry jam with minimal added sugar for a more intense, authentic fruit flavor that complements the almond notes.
• Gluten-free bakers can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to create celiac-friendly Linzer cookies.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Austrian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg