Enjoy the timeless elegance of Linzer Cookies with Italian strawberry jam. These buttery, almond-infused cookies, filled with sweet strawberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, are perfect for special occasions and holiday treats. Their delicate texture and charming presentation make them a delightful addition to any dessert spread.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds or almond flour
1/2 cup Italian strawberry jam
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground almonds. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for making the dough easier to roll and cut.
Roll and Cut the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out the centers, creating a decorative window.
Bake:
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cookies:
Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of Italian strawberry jam on the flat side of each solid cookie. Top with the cookies that have the cut-out centers. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar just before serving.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or tiered stand for an elegant presentation. Dusting them with powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of charm and makes them look extra special.
Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Their delicate flavor complements both warm beverages and festive drinks.
Portion Control: For a delightful treat, serve 2-3 cookies per person. This allows everyone to enjoy the buttery goodness without overindulging.
Gifting: Linzer cookies make excellent gifts. Arrange them in a decorative tin or box with a festive ribbon to share with friends and family during the holidays or special occasions.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Refrigeration: If you need to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing: For extended storage, you can freeze Linzer cookies. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Avoiding Soggy Cookies: To prevent the powdered sugar from becoming wet or clumping, wait until just before serving to dust the cookies with powdered sugar. This keeps them looking fresh and appetizing.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of jam for these cookies?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian strawberry jam with other flavors to suit your preferences. Raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jams are excellent alternatives that will pair beautifully with the buttery cookie base. Just ensure the jam is of good quality and has a similar consistency for the best results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
To prevent the cookies from spreading excessively, ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling and cutting. Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape during baking. Additionally, make sure your baking sheets are properly lined with parchment paper and avoid using overly greased surfaces.
Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. After mixing the dough, divide it into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
How can I make sure the powdered sugar stays on the cookies?
To keep the powdered sugar from becoming wet or clumping, wait to dust the cookies until right before serving. If you’re storing the cookies, keep them in an airtight container without powdered sugar and dust them with powdered sugar just before you plan to serve them. This ensures the sugar remains light and decorative.
Conclusion:
These Linzer cookies with Italian strawberry jam are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of classic baking. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and eating these delightful bites!
📖 Recipe:
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Linzer Cookies with Italian Strawberry Jam
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the buttery, delicate goodness of Linzer Cookies filled with sweet Italian strawberry jam. Perfect for special occasions and holiday treats, these classic sandwich cookies are elegantly dusted with powdered sugar and offer a flavorful bite that’s sure to impress. Easy to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying with a warm beverage.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup ground almonds or almond flour
1/2 cup Italian strawberry jam
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground almonds. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies, and a smaller cutter to create a window in half of the cookies.
- Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Assemble the Cookies: Spread 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam on the flat side of each solid cookie. Top with the cookies that have the cut-out centers. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Chill Time: Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling to prevent excessive spreading.
Substitutes: Feel free to use other fruit jams such as raspberry or apricot.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
Keywords: Linzer cookies, Italian strawberry jam, holiday cookies, sandwich cookies, Linzer tart cookies
