Linzer cookies are a classic holiday favorite, featuring a delicate, buttery dough sandwiched with sweet jam filling and a dusting of powdered sugar. While traditionally made with raspberry preserves, this Cherry Almond Linzer Cookie recipe puts a delicious twist on the classic by using cherry jam and almond-flavored dough. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply as a festive treat with your favorite cup of tea. With their beautiful cutout centers revealing a pop of cherry jam, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Follow along with this recipe for a foolproof way to make these irresistible Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies!
What Are Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?
Linzer cookies originated from Austria and are a variation of the Linzer torte, a famous almond-flour pastry with fruit preserves. These cookies are traditionally made by sandwiching two almond-flavored cookies with jam, with the top cookie featuring a cut-out to reveal the filling. For this version, the dough incorporates almond flour and almond extract for a nutty flavor, while the filling consists of sweet-tart cherry jam. The result is a soft, buttery cookie with a delicious balance of almond and cherry flavors.
Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
The ingredients for these cookies are simple, yet the combination of almond and cherry creates a wonderfully rich and sweet flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – Adds a subtle but distinct almond flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough.
- ¾ cup almond flour – Adds a nutty flavor and tender texture to the cookies.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
For the Filling:
- ½ cup cherry jam or preserves – The sweet-tart filling that complements the almond-flavored cookies.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) – Finishing touch for that classic Linzer cookie look.
Substitutions and Variations
Linzer cookies are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ways you can tweak this recipe:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your almond flour is also gluten-free.
- Different Jams: While cherry jam is delicious, you can swap it out for raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even plum preserves for a different flavor profile.
- Nut-Free: Replace the almond flour with more all-purpose flour and omit the almond extract if you’re avoiding nuts.
- Spiced Linzer Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground cloves to the dough for a warm, spiced variation.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making these Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies may look a bit involved, but by following the steps below, you’ll have no trouble mastering this recipe.
How to Make the Linzer Cookie Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and beat until combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is essential to ensure the dough is firm enough to roll out and cut clean shapes.
How to Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to about ⅛-inch thickness. Keep the second disc chilled while you work.
- Cut Out the Cookies: Use a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as possible. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. For half of the cookies, use a small round or decorative cutter to cut out the centers (these will be the top halves of the Linzer cookies).
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies should remain light in color. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Fill and Assemble the Linzer Cookies
- Prepare the Cherry Jam: While the cookies are cooling, gently warm the cherry jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes slightly runny. This makes it easier to spread. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Dust the Top Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust the cookies with the cut-out centers (the top cookies) with powdered sugar.
- Fill the Bottom Cookies: Spread about ½ teaspoon of the cherry jam onto the flat side of each bottom cookie (the cookies without the cut-out).
- Sandwich the Cookies: Gently place the top cookie (the one with the cut-out) over the jam-filled bottom cookie, pressing down lightly to sandwich them together. The jam should peek through the cut-out center.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Chill Time: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough. If the dough is too soft, it will be difficult to roll out and shape the cookies, and they may spread too much during baking.
- Overbaking the Cookies: Linzer cookies should be lightly golden at the edges, not browned. Overbaking can make them too crisp and dry.
- Not Letting the Cookies Cool: Ensure that the cookies are completely cooled before assembling. If they’re still warm, the jam may melt and cause the cookies to become soggy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Linzer cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Here are a few ways to present them for an extra-special touch.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
- These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Serve them on a festive platter for a holiday tea party or as part of a holiday dessert spread.
- For an elegant dessert, arrange a few Linzer cookies on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
- Holiday Shapes: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters (stars, hearts, or snowflakes) for the center cut-out to make the cookies even more festive.
- Gift Boxes: Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a perfect homemade gift during the holidays.
- Sprinkles of Color: Add a tiny edible gold leaf or sprinkle some colored sugar over the powdered sugar-dusted tops for extra pizzazz.
Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips
- Storing the Cookies: These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them if you'd like to keep them a little longer.
- Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen dough in the fridge before rolling it out.
- Freezing Assembled Cookies: If you want to freeze the fully assembled cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes! Store-bought cherry jam or preserves will work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to warm it slightly to make it easier to spread.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. You can freeze the dough wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
Can I make these cookies without almond flour?
If you’re allergic to nuts or simply prefer not to use almond flour, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. However, the cookies won’t have the same signature nutty flavor.
Conclusion
These Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a festive, elegant treat that combines the buttery richness of almond-flavored shortbread with the sweet-tart flavor of cherry jam. With their delicate cut-out centers and powdered sugar dusting, they’re a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter or gift box. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, grab your cookie cutters, and enjoy the process of baking these delightful Linzer cookies!
PrintCherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe
Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a deliciously delicate sandwich cookie with almond-flavored dough and a sweet cherry jam filling. Perfect for the holidays or special occasions, these cookies are a blend of nutty richness and fruity sweetness, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Almond flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Almond extract
- Vanilla extract
- Cherry jam
- Powdered sugar
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg yolk, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters, cutting out centers of half the cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool cookies, then spread cherry jam on the solid cookies and sandwich with the cut-out tops.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use sifted almond flour.
- The dough may be frozen for up to a month for make-ahead convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
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