Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are a type of sandwich cookie that originates from Linz, Austria. They are traditionally made with a buttery almond shortbread dough, and filled with raspberry jam. The top cookie usually has a cut-out shape in the centre, which allows the jam to peek through.

Ingredients of Linzer Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make Linzer Cookies

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the ground almonds.
6. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll out one of the dough disks on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
9. Cut out an even number of cookies using a cookie cutter or round cutter, making sure that half of them have a small shape cut out of the center.
10. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Repeat steps 8 to 11 with the second disk of dough.
13. Spread a teaspoon of raspberry jam on the flat side of each whole cookie, then top with a cookie that has a cut-out center.
14. Dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Linzer cookies!