Linzer Cookies

Description

Linzer cookies are synonymous with Christmas for me! The combination of the almond flavor in the cookies with the sweet jam in the middle is just incredible.

These cookies are a bit difficult to make at first, but after a few attempts they get to be relatively straight-forward to make.

This recipe is inspired by this Linzer Cookie video on YouTube.

Tips

You need a set of Linzer cookie cutters for this recipe.

The cookies can be filled with any jam flavor that you like, but I would recommend strawberry and apricot.

Some Linzer cookie recipes use almond extract, but I highly recommend NOT using it, as it is overpowering.

List of Ingredients

1 1/3 Cups of All-Purpose Flour
2/3 Cup of Almond Flour
1/4 Teaspoons of Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoons of Salt
1/8 Teaspoons of Baking Powder
1/2 Cup of Dairy-Free Butter softened to room temperature (recommendation: Earth Balance - Soy Free Butter Spread)
2/3 Cup of Powdered Sugar (plus more for dusting the cookies after baking)
1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1 Egg

Recipe Steps

In a large mixing bowl, mix the dairy-free butter with a hand mixer for 20-30 seconds
Add the powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix for 2-3 minutes to fully incorporate the ingredients
Add the dry ingredients (flour, almond flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder) and mix until combined
Using a spatula, scrape the dough onto a clean surface and divide into two equal parts
Wrap each dough piece with saran wrap
Place the two dough pieces in the refrigerator for 2 hours
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (Fahrenheit)
To make the bottom cookie pieces, use the Linzer cookie cutter without any shapes inserted
On a floured surface, roll out the first dough piece using a rolling pin to 1/4" thickness
Use the cookie cutters to cut out the round cookie bottoms and place onto a baking sheet
Bake for 10 minutes
To make the top cookie pieces, use the Linzer cookie cutter with your favorite shape insert
On a floured surface, roll out the second dough piece using a rolling pin to 1/4" thickness
Use the cookie cutters to cut out the round cookie bottoms and place onto a baking sheet
Bake for 9 minutes
After removing the cookies from the oven, place them on a wire rack to cool
After 15-20 minutes of cooling, take a bottom cookie, add jam to the cookie, and squish the top cookie on top of the jam
Repeat with all the cookie pieces
When serving, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cookies using a sift (it will look like snow falling on the cookies!)