Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cookies that strike the perfect balance between buttery, nutty, and sweet, then you are absolutely going to adore this Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe. These delightful little sandwiches boast a tender almond-infused dough with a burst of vibrant cherry jam peeking through a charming cutout window. They’re elegant yet approachable, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a fancy little delight with afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these iconic cookies is simpler than you might think, and each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that classic cookie texture and flavor. From the rich butter that lends tenderness, to the almond flour that gives a subtle nuttiness, every component ensures these cookies are unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures your dough comes together smoothly and helps create that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness while helping achieve a slight crispness on the edges.
• Large egg: Adds moisture and binds the ingredients perfectly for a smooth dough.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s depth of flavor with warm aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour: The base of our dough, it gives structure to the cookies while keeping them light.
• Almond flour: Brings a wonderful nutty richness and slightly chewy texture classic to Linzer cookies.
• Baking powder: Just a touch to help the dough rise gently without becoming cakey.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and prevents blandness.
• Powdered sugar: For that signature snowy dusting that’s both pretty and tasty.
• Cherry jam: The star filling, offering a bright, fruity burst that contrasts beautifully with the rich cookie.

How to Make Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air, ensuring your cookies bake up beautifully tender and not dense at all.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and pure vanilla extract, blending until everything is just combined. These ingredients add moisture and fragrance that complete the cookie’s rich profile.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt, so every bite tastes balanced.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be sure to scrape down the bowl sides to avoid any dry flour pockets—this ensures a cohesive dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll and helping your cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll the chilled dough to about a ¼-inch thickness. This thickness is perfect; thin enough for delicate crunch, but thick enough to hold the jam filling without getting soggy.

Step 7: Cut Out Cookie Shapes

Using a 3-inch cutter, cut out 36 cookies of your favorite shapes—circles, stars, or holiday motifs all work wonderfully. Half of these will become the cookie bottoms, while half will be the charming tops with cut-out centers.

Step 8: Create the Jam Windows

Take a smaller 1-inch cutter and remove the centers from half of the cookies. These windows reveal the stunning cherry jam once your cookies are assembled and dusted with powdered sugar.

Step 9: Chill Cookies Again

Pop the cut cookies into the freezer or fridge for another 30 minutes. This extra chill helps prevent spreading during baking, keeping your shapes crisp and beautiful.

Step 10: Preheat the Oven

While the dough chills, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the cookies come out for baking.

Step 11: Bake Until Golden

Arrange the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until just golden around the edges. The smell at this point is pure heaven, immediately signaling these treats are nearly ready.

Step 12: Cool and Powder

Let your cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. When ready, dust the cut-out top cookies generously with powdered sugar for that iconic snowy effect.

Step 13: Assemble with Cherry Jam

Spread about a tablespoon of cherry jam on each whole cookie, then gently sandwich with the powdered sugar-dusted tops. Press lightly to sandwich, but not so much that jam squeezes out. Voilà, your classic Linzer cookies are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little finely chopped toasted almonds over the jam before sandwiching or add an edible flower petal on top of each cookie. A light dusting of cinnamon can also complement the cherry flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of rich black tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a festive twist, serve alongside a warm mulled wine or spiced cider to highlight their cozy almond and cherry notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies in a pretty jar or arranging them on a tiered cake stand for a charming dessert display. You can also tie small bundles with rustic twine and a sprig of rosemary as thoughtful edible gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your assembled Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, making them ideal for preparing ahead of your holiday celebrations or special occasions.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze fully assembled cookies. Wrap dough discs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen; they keep well for 3 months.

Reheating

Linzer cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so you don’t really need to reheat them. If you prefer warm cookies, gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes, but be careful not to melt the jam.

FAQs

Can I use a different jam instead of cherry?

Absolutely! Raspberry or strawberry jam are traditional alternatives for Linzer cookies and pair wonderfully with the almond flavor in the dough.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can substitute with finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts for a different but delicious nutty twist, or simply increase the all-purpose flour by the same amount for a milder taste.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the cutter?

Dipping your cookie cutter into flour before each cut significantly reduces sticking and helps maintain clean edges.

Why do I need to chill the dough multiple times?

Chilling solidifies the butter, which keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps preserve their delicate shapes and textures when baked.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum works well, but expect a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply magical about baking and sharing homemade cookies, and this Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe delivers on all fronts with its irresistible combination of buttery almond dough and vibrant cherry filling. Whether for a special occasion or just because, I hope you enjoy every sweet, tender bite as much as I do. Happy baking!

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