Delightfully crisp, buttery, and filled with sweet-tart jam, Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies are a beloved holiday treat. These cookies are inspired by the classic Linzer Torte, a lattice-topped pastry originating in Linz, Austria, but scaled down into delicate sandwich cookies perfect for festive gatherings.
Linzer cookies feature almond-infused dough that’s lightly spiced with cinnamon, then rolled thin and cut into festive shapes. Filled with raspberry or apricot jam and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re as stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday dessert platters, or gifting, these cookies are a timeless classic.
Resume
- Classic Holiday Treat: A festive, bite-sized version of the Linzer Torte.
- Delicate and Buttery: Light, crisp almond dough melts in your mouth.
- Beautifully Decorated: Cut-out tops reveal a jewel-like jam filling.
- Versatile and Elegant: Perfect for gifting, parties, or teatime treats.
Exciting Story
The first time I made Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies, I was inspired by my grandmother’s stories of baking them every Christmas. She described the process as both an art and a labor of love—rolling the almond dough to just the right thickness, choosing the perfect jam, and cutting out intricate designs for the tops.
When I finally tried my hand at these cookies, I understood why they were such a cherished tradition. The buttery, nutty aroma filled my kitchen, and the finished cookies, with their powdered sugar dusting and vibrant jam centers, looked like little edible snowflakes. Sharing them with my family felt like passing on a delicious legacy, and now they’re a must-have on our holiday cookie platter.
Why These Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Timeless Tradition: A centuries-old recipe that never goes out of style.
- Festive Presentation: Perfectly designed for the holiday season.
- Customizable Fillings: Use your favorite jam or even chocolate spread.
- Delicate and Nutty: Almond flour gives these cookies a rich, unique flavor.
What You Need for Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For the Filling and Decoration:
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out shapes. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to create a cut-out in the center (these will be the tops).
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Spread a small amount of jam on the flat side of each whole cookie.
- Dust the cut-out cookies (tops) with powdered sugar.
- Gently press the tops onto the jam-covered bottoms to form a sandwich.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the cookies on a platter or store them in an airtight container. These cookies improve in flavor after a day or two, as the jam softens the cookie slightly.
Tips for Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and prevents the cookies from spreading while baking.
- Keep the Shapes Consistent: Use the same cutter for all the cookies to ensure even baking.
- Use Seedless Jam: Seedless jam gives a smoother texture and cleaner presentation.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute almond flour with finely ground oats for a nut-free version.
- Different Flavors: Try filling the cookies with chocolate hazelnut spread, lemon curd, or orange marmalade.
- Vegan Option: Replace the butter with vegan butter and the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of almond milk.
Make a Healthier Version
- Reduce Sugar: Use a lower-sugar jam or skip the powdered sugar dusting.
- Whole-Grain Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Natural Sweetener: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural option.
Closing for Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies
And there you have it—Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies, a timeless holiday classic that brings elegance and flavor to any celebration. These delicate, nutty cookies filled with sweet jam are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring with a cup of tea. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or creating new holiday traditions, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Happy baking, and frohe Weihnachten! 🎄✨🍪
Frequently Asked Questions for Traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month. - What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. - Can I freeze the assembled cookies?
It’s best to freeze the unassembled cookies and fill them with jam after thawing. - What’s the traditional filling for Linzer cookies?
Raspberry or apricot jam is most traditional, but you can use other fruit jams or preserves. - How do I keep the dough from sticking when rolling?
Use a lightly floured surface and rolling pin, and chill the dough if it becomes too soft. - Can I use store-bought almond flour?
Yes! Store-bought almond flour works perfectly and saves time. - Why does the dough crack when I roll it?
If the dough is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before rolling. - Can I use whole almonds instead of almond flour?
Yes! Finely grind blanched almonds in a food processor to make almond flour. - What’s the best size for the cookies?
Use 2-3 inch cutters for the perfect balance of filling and cookie. - How can I make the cookies softer?
Let the assembled cookies sit for a day; the jam will soften them slightly. - Can I skip the cinnamon?
Yes, but cinnamon adds a warm, traditional flavor to the cookies. - What can I pair these cookies with?
Serve them with tea, coffee, or a glass of mulled wine for a festive treat.
Enjoy crafting these delicate and festive Linzer cookies, a timeless Austrian treasure for your holiday celebrations! 🎄✨