Name: Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies: A Delicious Delight Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Austrian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite jam); Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Introduction to Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies

Delicate, buttery, and filled with fruity goodness, Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies are a timeless treat that brings elegance and charm to any dessert table. These sandwich-style cookies feature tender almond- or vanilla-scented dough baked to soft perfection, with a jewel-like center of sweet raspberry or strawberry jam peeking through a classic cutout. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, each bite melts in your mouth and offers a delightful blend of rich, soft cookie and bright, tangy fruit. Whether for holidays, tea time, or just a sweet moment to yourself, these cookies never fail to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies

Soft & Buttery Texture: The cookies are tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—never dry or crumbly.
Beautiful Presentation: The jam-filled window and powdered sugar topping make these cookies look bakery-worthy.
Sweet & Fruity Center: The jam adds a burst of flavor that perfectly balances the buttery base.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, gifts, or anytime you want to impress guests.
Fun to Make: Rolling, cutting, and assembling these cookies is a joyful, hands-on baking experience.

Ingredients for Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies

Buttery almond shortbread cookies with a sweet jam center—these soft Linzer cookies are as lovely as they are delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and a soft texture.
Almond flour: Adds a nutty flavor and a tender crumb. If you’re nut-free, you can swap this for more all-purpose flour.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that soft, pillowy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Unsalted butter: The star of the show! It brings richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their lovely texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding moisture.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth.
Almond extract: This gives a lovely, aromatic touch that complements the almond flour beautifully.
Raspberry jam: The sweet filling that brings everything together. Feel free to use your favorite jam for a personal twist!
Powdered sugar: For dusting, adding a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly. Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness is key to achieving that soft texture in your cookies. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the magic begins!

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture, while the extracts infuse your cookies with that irresistible flavor. You’ll want to mix until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and tender. A few flour streaks are okay; they’ll incorporate as you roll out the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out later. Plus, it enhances the flavors!

Step 7: Roll and Cut Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out the center. This creates that beautiful window for the jam filling.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly!

Step 9: Assemble and Dust

Once the cookies have cooled on the baking sheets for a few minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam on the solid cookies and top with the cut-out cookies. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for that perfect touch!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Chill the dough thoroughly; it helps maintain the cookie shape while baking.
Use a light hand when mixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Experiment with different jams for unique flavor combinations.
Don’t skip the powdered sugar dusting; it adds a lovely finish!

Equipment Needed

Baking sheets: Essential for baking. If you don’t have them, a sturdy oven-safe tray works too.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking. Aluminum foil can be a substitute, but it may not be as non-stick.
Mixing bowls: Use any size you have; just ensure they’re deep enough for mixing.
Cookie cutters: A variety of shapes adds fun. If you’re in a pinch, a glass can work for round cookies!

Variations of Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies

Nut-Free Version: Substitute almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour for a nut-free treat.
Jam Flavors: Experiment with different jams like apricot, strawberry, or even lemon curd for a unique twist.
Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Chocolate Linzer Cookies: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey version that pairs beautifully with raspberry jam.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

Serving Suggestions for Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies

Pair with Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon treat.
Tea Time: Serve alongside your favorite herbal tea for a cozy, relaxing experience.
Presentation: Arrange on a decorative platter and dust with extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for a delicious dessert twist.

FAQs about Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies

Can I use different types of jam for my Linzer Cookies?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with apricot, strawberry, or even lemon curd. Each jam brings its own unique flavor to these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store your Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels sticky, don’t panic! Simply sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and rolling pin. This will help you roll it out without sticking.

Are Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies suitable for special diets?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for various dietary needs. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to make it nut-free. Enjoy baking!

Final Thoughts

Baking Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth and nostalgia. Each bite transports you to a cozy kitchen, where the sweet aroma of cookies fills the air. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends, creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or gifting them to someone special, these cookies bring joy to any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let the magic of baking fill your home with love and sweetness!