Ah, linzer cookies! They bring back the sweetest memories of holiday baking with my family. Every year, we’d gather in the kitchen, flour dusting the counters, and laughter filling the air as we rolled out the tender dough. These delightful linzer cookies filled with raspberry jam were always the star of our cookie trays, their buttery texture and bright, tangy filling a perfect match. Trust me, there’s something magical about biting into one of these cookies—it’s like tasting a piece of tradition.
Originating from Austria, linzer cookies have a special place in my heart and kitchen. My mom always said they were the perfect mix of elegance and comfort, and she was right! The way the raspberry jam peeks through the cutouts makes them not just delicious but also beautiful. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, which is a bonus when you’re trying to impress friends and family! So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making these sweet little gems together. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam
To make your own delightful linzer cookies filled with sweet raspberry jam, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating your tasty treats. Make sure your butter is softened, as it makes mixing so much easier! I always like to use high-quality raspberry jam—trust me, it really enhances the flavor and gives that beautiful, vibrant color. Feel free to get creative with the shapes of your cookies! The fun part is deciding how to decorate them once they’re baked. Now that you have your ingredients ready, we can move on to the fun part—baking!
How to Prepare Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color. While you’re at it, I like to prepare my baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. It makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent any sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
Now, grab your mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until everything is blended and smooth. I usually start with a wooden spoon to break up the butter, then switch to my hands when it gets a bit tougher. You want a dough that holds together nicely—think soft but not too sticky. Once it’s mixed, add in the vanilla extract and give it another good stir. The dough should feel rich and creamy, perfect for rolling out later!
Step 3: Chill the Dough
After mixing, it’s time to chill! Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling is essential because it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll out and cut into shapes. Plus, it helps the cookies maintain their form while baking. Trust me, you want that perfect cookie shape!
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This makes it easier to handle. Dust your counter with a bit of flour, and roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. I like to do half with a cutout in the center to showcase the raspberry jam. Be creative! If you’re feeling fancy, you can even use different shapes for a fun cookie platter.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the cut-out cookies on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they’re just lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are starting to brown a bit. Keep an eye on them; we don’t want any burnt edges!
Step 6: Assemble with Raspberry Jam
Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is where the magic happens! Take the cookies with the cutouts and spread a generous dollop of raspberry jam on the solid cookies. Then, carefully place the cutout cookies on top to create adorable little sandwiches. The jam peeking through adds such a lovely touch. If you like, you can dust the tops with powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish. And there you have it—your delightful linzer cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious linzer cookies ready to bake in no time!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a sweet treat for a special someone, or just because, these cookies fit the bill!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different shapes or even swap out the raspberry jam for your favorite fruit preserves—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!
- Deliciously Buttery: The combination of buttery cookie dough and sweet, tangy raspberry jam creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- Impressive Presentation: With their beautiful cutout design, these cookies look as good as they taste, making them perfect for impressing friends and family.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delightful linzer cookies filled with raspberry jam fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their buttery texture and keeps the jam from becoming too runny. If you stack them, be sure to place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This gentle heating will soften the jam and bring back that fresh-baked taste. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might end up with a gooey mess! Enjoy your cookies while they’re still delightful, and share them with friends or family for an extra touch of love!
Nutritional Information
Before you indulge in these delightful linzer cookies filled with raspberry jam, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Just a heads up: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are approximate figures to give you an idea:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 10g)
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Calcium: 10mg
These cookies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while still being mindful of what you’re enjoying. So go ahead, indulge a little—life’s too short not to enjoy a delicious cookie or two!
FAQ about Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam
What is the history of linzer cookies?
Linzer cookies have a delightful history that dates back to the 17th century! Originating from Linz, Austria, these cookies are inspired by the famous Linzer Torte, which is a nutty pastry filled with fruit preserves. The cookies they inspired are a perfect bite-sized version of that classic dessert, bringing the same rich flavors and textures. Traditionally, they’re made with ground nuts, usually almonds or hazelnuts, which adds to their unique charm. Over the years, linzer cookies have become popular around the world, especially during the holiday season, as people gather to bake and share these sweet treats. Learn more about their history here.
Can I use other jams for filling?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie, feel free to get creative! You can use any fruit preserves you love, such as apricot, strawberry, or even cherry. Each jam brings its own flavor profile, and you might just discover a new favorite combination. If you’re adventurous, consider trying a citrus curd for a zesty twist—just keep in mind that the consistency may differ slightly from jam.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Great question! The key to perfectly baked linzer cookies is keeping an eye on their edges. You’ll want to look for a light golden color around the edges—this usually takes about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If the tops still look a bit pale, that’s okay! The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Also, gently press the edges with your finger; if they spring back, you’re in the clear!
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make the dough ahead of time! Just prepare the dough as instructed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can have fresh linzer cookies whenever the craving strikes! If you want to keep it for longer, you can also freeze the dough for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
What is the best way to store linzer cookies?
To keep your linzer cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain that lovely buttery texture and keeps the jam from getting too runny. If you’re stacking them, don’t forget to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid any sticking. They can last for about a week, but trust me, they’re usually gone long before then!
Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Mix until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool, then fill half of the cookies with raspberry jam and sandwich with the other half.