If you are on the hunt for an irresistible treat that’s both charming and delicious, look no further than the Buttery Linzer-Style Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe. These delicate, sandwich-style cookies feature a tender almond-scented dough paired with a luscious, tangy raspberry jam center. The combination of buttery richness and bright jam creates a perfect balance that’s both nostalgic and fresh, making them an ideal addition to your cookie lineup for any occasion. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies promise to steal your heart one bite at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient, which together create the perfect flavor harmony and texture. Each component plays a crucial role: the butter for richness, almond flour for subtle nuttiness, and raspberry jam for that jewel-like sweetness and color.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (225 g): Softened for creamy texture and deep buttery flavor.
- Powdered sugar, 2/3 cup (85 g): Provides a smooth sweetness that blends effortlessly into the dough.
- Finely ground almond flour, 1/3 cup (35 g): Adds a tender crumb and delicate nutty undertone.
- Vanilla extract, 2 tsp: Enhances the flavor profile with sweet, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups (280 g): The sturdy base that gives these cookies their structure and shape.
- Fine salt, 1/2 tsp: Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
- Raspberry jam, 1/2 cup: Choose seedless if preferred, for a smooth, fruity filling.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a delicate, snowy finish to the tops.
How to Make Buttery Linzer-Style Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is crucial as it introduces air into the dough, resulting in a more tender and melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Then, mix in the finely ground almond flour and vanilla extract, gently folding everything together to infuse that wonderful almond aroma and taste.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. It should be pliable but not sticky. At this point, divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flattened disk wrapped in plastic wrap. This chilling phase is key for easier rolling and better cookie shape.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Place both dough disks in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes. The cold dough firms up the butter again and helps the cookies keep their delicate shape when baked. Patience here will reward you with those perfect Linzer-style edges.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out whole stars from one half of the dough and cut smaller stars from the center of the other half. These cutout centers create the charming window that shows off the raspberry jam filling. Transfer them carefully to parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Pop the cookie sheets back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking. Chilling once more prevents spreading, ensuring your cookies maintain that perfect Linzer look with crisp edges and neat shapes.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes, watching closely until the edges turn just golden. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye. Once baked, let them cool completely on wire racks to firm up before assembling.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Lightly dust the top cookies, the ones with the cutout centers, with powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy effect. Then, spread about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam on the solid bottom cookies. Gently sandwich them together with the sugared tops, allowing the jam to peek through like a jewel. Voilà! Your Buttery Linzer-Style Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe are ready to wow.
How to Serve Buttery Linzer-Style Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar gives a classic, pretty finish, but you can add edible flower petals or finely chopped toasted almonds around the edges to elevate the look and texture. These little touches make your cookies perfect for gifting or festive occasions.
Side Dishes
These buttery, jam-filled delights pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For something cozy, a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side offers a wonderful contrast to the crispness and fruity center of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Linzer cookies on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display at parties. You can even sandwich cookies of different shapes and use various jam flavors—like apricot or cherry—to create a colorful, inviting platter that guests will swoon over.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally in a single layer to preserve their signature crunch. Properly stored, they stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for baking ahead.
Freezing
If you want to make a large batch, unfilled cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if they lose a bit of their crispness, warming them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes can help revive that delightful crisp texture before filling with jam.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?
While almond flour adds a unique nutty flavor and tender crumb to this recipe, you can substitute it with finely ground hazelnut flour or simply increase the all-purpose flour slightly. Just know the flavor and texture will vary a bit.
Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What if I don’t like raspberry jam?
Feel free to swap out raspberry jam for apricot, cherry, or any other favorite fruit preserve. Each jam brings its own twist, giving this classic cookie a new personality while keeping things just as tasty.
Can I add almond extract for a stronger flavor?
Absolutely! For those nut lovers, adding a drop or two of almond extract alongside the vanilla elevates the almond notes beautifully, making these cookies even more aromatic and flavorful.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough twice—once before rolling and again after cutting—is essential. It keeps the butter firm and stops cookies from turning into flat disks, helping maintain their charming star shapes.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so joyful about biting into these Buttery Linzer-Style Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe. The way the buttery, tender dough melts alongside the vibrant jam is simply magical. Whether for special celebrations or daily indulgence, these cookies are worth every moment of preparation. Give them a try, and you might find your new favorite sweet in the process!
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Buttery Linzer-Style Cookies with Raspberry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these buttery Linzer-style cookies featuring a tender almond-infused dough sandwiched with luscious raspberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfectly crisp with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these elegant cookies are a timeless treat ideal for festive occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (85 g) powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup (35 g) finely ground almond flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (seedless if preferred)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring a light texture for your cookie dough.
- Add Almond Flour and Vanilla: Incorporate the finely ground almond flour and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture, blending thoroughly to infuse the dough with subtle almond and vanilla notes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and fine salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a flat disk, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for 45 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and roll out.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the cookies.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out stars from the dough. For half of the stars, use a smaller star cutter to remove a center cut-out creating a window for the jam filling.
- Chill Cutouts: Place the cut cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This step helps to prevent the cookies from spreading excessively during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges turn just golden. Keep an eye to avoid overbaking as these delicate cookies can dry out.
- Cool Completely: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool fully on the baking sheets; this ensures they firm up properly for assembling.
- Assemble Linzer Cookies: Dust the top cutout cookies with powdered sugar. Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam onto the flat whole cookies. Carefully sandwich the sugared cutout cookies on top, pressing gently to adhere.
- Storage Tips: Store the assembled filled cookies in a single layer to maintain their crisp and delicate texture.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberry jam with apricot or cherry jam for varied flavors.
- For enhanced almond flavor, add a drop of almond extract along with vanilla.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use seedless jam if you prefer a smoother filling without seeds.
- Store in an airtight container in a single layer to keep cookies crisp.
