In the realm of holiday confections, few treats boast the timeless elegance and rich history of Linzer cookies. These delightful creations, with their intricate lattice patterns and sweet, jam-filled centers, have become synonymous with festive occasions and family gatherings. To be honest, I was intimidated by these cookies for a long time because of how pretty they are. I just assumed they would be hard to make, but they are actually one of the simplest cookies I have ever made.
The Genesis of Linzer Cookies
The story of Linzer cookies can be traced back to the picturesque city of Linz, Austria, where these delectable treats first emerged in the 17th century. Initially known as Linzer Augen, or "Linzer Eyes," these cookies were born from the creative hands of skilled bakers inspired by the Linzer Torte, a famous Austrian pastry featuring a nutty crust filled with blackcurrant jam.
The Linzer cookie, a miniature interpretation of its torte counterpart, quickly gained popularity, finding its way into the hearts and homes of Austrian families. With its distinctive almond-based dough and signature raspberry jam filling, the Linzer cookie became a symbol of indulgence and celebration.
Evolution of Variations
As Linzer cookies embarked on a global journey, they encountered diverse culinary traditions and local ingredients, resulting in an array of delightful variations. While the classic almond-based dough and raspberry jam filling remain iconic, bakers around the world have infused their own unique twists into this beloved treat.
- Nutty Ventures: Almond, hazelnut, and pecan variations have emerged, each imparting a distinct flavor profile to the traditional Linzer cookie. These nut-infused versions add depth and complexity to the cookie's character, appealing to those with a penchant for richer, more indulgent treats.
- Jammin' with Flavors: While raspberry jam remains a steadfast favorite, adventurous bakers have expanded the horizons of Linzer cookies by experimenting with an array of fruity fillings. From apricot and strawberry to blackberry and cherry, the possibilities are as endless as the spectrum of seasonal fruits available.
- Spice it Up: Some bakers have introduced aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the cookie dough, infusing the Linzer experience with warmth and complexity. These spiced variations are reminiscent of festive holiday flavors, making them a perfect addition to the seasonal cookie platter.
With that being said, there is plenty of room for experimentation with this cookie, but we are focused on making it as simple as possible. Now, let's take that trusty Basic Butter Dough and turn it into Linzer Cookies. Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter of your choice to make pairs of solid and window-cut rounds. The solid ones will be the bottoms, and on those, spread a thin layer of your favorite jam. Top them with the window-cut rounds to make little jammy sandwiches. Finish them off with a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra festive touch. Voilà! You've just elevated your Basic Butter Dough to a whole new level of elegance. These Linzer Cookies are not just tasty; they look like something straight out of a bakery. Perfect for impressing your friends and family during the holidays! If you're looking for extra host points, check out these gorgeous hand painted cookie plates.
Linzer Cookies
- Prep: 20 Minutes
- Cook: 15 Minutes
- Total: 35 Minutes
- Serving: 1 Cookie Sandwich
- Yield: About 20
Ingredients
- Basic Butter Dough
- Jam of choice ( I used Raspberry Currant)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions for Linzer Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350
- Roll chilled dough onto the counter, it should be no thicker than 1/8 of an inch
- Take your cookie cutter and cut out as many cookies as possible
- Transfer the cookies to a lined baking sheet
- Once transferred, take a smaller cookie cutter and cut out a window in half of the cookies
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack
- Once cool, grab the jam and add a small spoon full to each full piece of cookie
- Place the window piece on top to create a sandwich
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Enjoy
Notes
- It is imperative that you cut the windows out AFTER each piece has been transferred to the cookie sheet. If you cut the window out before, it will most likely be wonky when you try to transfer it.
