Linzer Berry Cookies

Introduction

Linzer Berry Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional Linzer tart, filled with sweet berry jam and dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. These delicate cookies have a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual tea parties.

I first made these cookies when I wanted something both festive and delicious for a family get-together, and they were a huge hit. The kitchen smelled incredible as they baked, and the colorful jam peeking through the center made them look just as lovely as they tasted. The combination of shortbread-like dough and vibrant berry jam creates a perfect balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the fruit filling complementing the rich, buttery cookie.

What’s great about these Linzer Berry Cookies is that they’re surprisingly easy to make yet look impressive. Whether you’re looking to bring something special to a party or treat yourself to something sweet, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Tea parties
• Gift-giving
• Special occasions
• Fruit jam lovers

Why You’ll Love This Linzer Berry Cookies

Here’s why Linzer Berry Cookies will become your go-to treat:

• Buttery and Crisp Texture: The dough is tender and buttery, giving these cookies a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with the fruity jam filling.
• Berry Jam Filling: A sweet and tangy berry jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, provides a burst of fruit flavor and vibrant color.
• Classic Look: The open-faced design with the peek of jam inside makes these cookies visually appealing and elegant, perfect for gifting or serving at a party.
• Easy to Make: Despite their refined appearance, these cookies are easy to prepare and assemble, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Customizable: You can use different fruit jams or add nuts to the dough for variation, making these cookies your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 24-30 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-160 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Linzer Berry Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour (or ground almonds)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or any berry jam of choice)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Ingredient Highlights

• Almond Flour: Almond flour gives the dough its signature nutty flavor and crumbly texture, which is characteristic of Linzer cookies.
• Berry Jam: The berry jam filling provides a sweet and tart contrast to the rich, buttery cookie dough. You can choose your favorite berry jam or even use homemade jam for a personal touch.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is key to achieving a soft, tender dough with a rich flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Linzer Berry Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the dough tough.

Chill the Dough:

5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
7. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Then, use a smaller cookie cutter (a heart or star-shaped cutter works well) to cut out the center of half of the cookies, leaving the rest intact.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assemble the Cookies:

9. Fill with Jam: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a teaspoon of berry jam on the solid cookie halves. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam could spill out when you place the top cookie.
10. Top with Cookie: Place the cookies with the cut-out centers on top of the jam-filled cookies, gently pressing down to secure the layers.
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

How to Serve Linzer Berry Cookies

Linzer Berry Cookies can be served in many different ways:

• For Tea Parties: These cookies are perfect for tea parties, pairing beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as a light and fruity dessert at the end of a meal.
• For Gift-Giving: Pack them in a decorative tin or box to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• For Holiday Gatherings: With their festive appearance and rich flavors, these cookies make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert spread.
• With a Glass of Milk: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk for a classic and comforting treat.

Additional Tips for Linzer Berry Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Linzer Berry Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Chill the Dough Well: Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best texture for the dough.
• Choose Your Favorite Jam: You can use any berry jam you prefer, such as raspberry, strawberry, or even blueberry, for a personalized touch.
• Use a Fine Mesh Sifter: Use a fine mesh sifter to dust the powdered sugar for a delicate, even coating on the cookies.

Recipe Variations for Linzer Berry Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Linzer Berry Cookies:

• Mixed Berry Jam: Use a blend of different berry jams for a unique flavor.
• Lemon Linzer Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Dark Chocolate Jam: Fill the cookies with a dark chocolate ganache or a chocolate spread for a decadent variation.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace the almond flour with all-purpose flour for a nut-free alternative.
• Hazelnut Linzer Cookies: Use ground hazelnuts instead of almond flour for a different nutty flavor.
• Apricot Jam: Swap berry jam for apricot preserves for a more traditional Linzer flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra sweet, spiced flavor.
• Chai Spice Linzer Cookies: Add chai spices like cardamom and ginger to the dough for a cozy, spiced cookie.
• Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Vegan Linzer Cookies: Substitute dairy-free butter and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg for a vegan version.

Freezing and Storage for Linzer Berry Cookies

• Freezing: To freeze these cookies, assemble them but leave the powdered sugar off. Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Special Equipment for Linzer Berry Cookies

Here are some tools that will make preparing Linzer Berry Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar for a smooth dough.
• Cookie Cutters: A set of round and smaller shaped cookie cutters is essential for making the classic Linzer cookie design.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps you roll out the dough evenly to the right thickness.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and even baking.
• Fine Mesh Sifter: A fine mesh sifter ensures a smooth, even dusting of powdered sugar.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack is perfect for cooling your cookies evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Linzer Berry Cookies

1. Can I use a different type of flour for the dough?
   Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat flour for a different flavor and texture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before rolling it out and baking.
3. Can I use a different type of jam?
   Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite jam or preserve, such as apricot, cherry, or blueberry.
4. How do I prevent the jam from spilling out?
   Use a small spoon or offset spatula to spread the jam and avoid overfilling. A thin layer is sufficient.
5. Can I freeze the assembled cookies?
   Yes, you can freeze the fully assembled cookies. Just freeze them before adding the powdered sugar and dust them with sugar after thawing.

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Conclusion

Linzer Berry Cookies are a timeless treat with their crisp, buttery dough and sweet berry filling. They’re perfect for any occasion, from special celebrations to casual snacks, and their elegant look makes them ideal for gifting. With a variety of flavors and fillings to choose from, these cookies are endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, family, or friends, Linzer Berry Cookies will always impress!

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to enjoy, perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies deliver a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

I’d love to see how your Linzer Berry Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!