Linzer cookies are a type of sandwich cookie that originated in Linz, Austria. They consist of two almond-based cookies with a sweet jam filling in between. The top cookie typically has a small cutout in the center, allowing the jam to peek through. These cookies are enjoyed for their rich, buttery flavor and beautiful presentation.
Confectioners/Icing sugar : 80g
Almond powder : 100g
All-purpose flour : 200g
Salt : ½ tsp
Cold unsalted butter : 180g
Egg yolks : 2
Vanilla extract : 1 tsp
Almond extract : ½ tsp
Apricot Jam/Strawberry Jam
Preparation Method:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, almond powder, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Add the egg yolk mixture to the dry ingredients and butter mixture. Gently mix everything together using a soft hand until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to your desired thickness (usually about 1/8 inch). Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes – some should have a hole in the center for the “window.”
- Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on the size of your cookies.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- When the cookies have completely cooled, sprinkle confectioners’ sugar on the top cookies that have the window.
- Take the cookies without the window (bottom cookies) and spread a small amount of apricot jam or strawberry jam on each one.
- Place a dusted cookie with a window on top of a jam-covered cookie to create a sandwich. Press gently to adhere.
- Your Linzer cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
