Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Looking for a delightful and flavorful cookie recipe to add to your holiday collection or simply enjoy with a cup of tea? Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery almond shortbread and sweet cherry jam, making them a must-try treat. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating these beautiful, delicate cookies. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, follow along to learn how to bake these delicious cookies to perfection.

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What are Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a variation of the traditional Austrian Linzer cookies, which originated from the famous Linzer torte. These cookies are characterized by their almond-based dough and the distinctive sandwich structure, with a fruit jam filling peeking through a cut-out window on the top cookie. In this version, we incorporate a rich almond flavor into the cookie dough and fill the cookies with tart cherry jam, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.

The cookies are usually dusted with powdered sugar, giving them an elegant, festive appearance, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply enjoying any time of the year.

Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. Here's what you'll need:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) almond flour (for that rich almond flavor)
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter (softened)
• ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (for enhanced flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (150g) cherry jam (preferably without large chunks, or smooth)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting after assembly)

Optional Garnishes:

• Slivered almonds (for decoration)
• A drizzle of melted chocolate (for a fancier finish)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Linzer cookies is how customizable they can be. Here are a few substitutions and variations that you can consider:

1. Substitute almond flour with ground hazelnuts or walnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
2. Swap cherry jam for raspberry, apricot, or any jam of your choice. Mixed berry jam or even lemon curd would work well as a substitute.
3. Vegan option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg yolk.
4. Gluten-free option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, and make sure your almond flour is also certified gluten-free.
5. Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different shapes for the cut-out on the top cookie—stars, hearts, or even festive holiday shapes like snowflakes can give these cookies a unique look.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to dive into the baking process. Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly baked Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Once the mixture is well combined, add the egg yolk, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Mix in the Flours

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and almond flour, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the dough tough. Once the dough comes together, divide it in half, shape each half into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as possible. Transfer the cut-out cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4: Cut Out the Cookie Tops

For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter (like a small circle or star) to cut out the center of the cookies. These will be the top pieces of your cookie sandwiches, with the cut-out acting as the window to show off the jam.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake both the solid and cut-out cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread about ½ teaspoon of cherry jam onto the bottom (solid) cookies. Carefully place the cut-out cookies on top to form a sandwich. Gently press them together so that the jam oozes slightly into the cut-out window.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Using a fine mesh sieve, lightly dust the top of the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy finish.

How to Cook Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Baking Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies is a rewarding process. Follow these steps closely for picture-perfect cookies every time:

1. Mix the dough ingredients following the instructions above.
2. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, but longer if you want more defined shapes.
3. Roll and cut out your cookies, ensuring they are even in thickness for consistent baking.
4. Bake until just golden. These cookies are delicate, so be careful not to overbake them.
5. Fill with jam and dust with powdered sugar for that final touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies, so mix just until everything is combined.
2. Skipping the chilling step can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking, losing their shape.
3. Overfilling with jam can cause the cookies to be too sticky, making them hard to handle.
4. Baking at too high a temperature can cause the cookies to brown too quickly on the edges while remaining undercooked in the center.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These cookies are just as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. Here are a few tips to make them look even more appealing:

• Dust the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh, elegant look.
• Arrange them on a decorative plate or in a festive tin for gift-giving.
• Add edible glitter for a touch of sparkle during the holiday season.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with tea, coffee, or even a glass of mulled wine during the holidays. Serve them at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. If gifting them, pack them in decorative tins or cookie boxes with wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Use ribbon to tie a few cookies together in stacks for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Serve them on a cake stand as part of a holiday dessert spread.
• Line a tray with parchment paper, sprinkle powdered sugar in a festive pattern, and arrange the cookies on top for a stunning display.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: The cookie dough can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to a month.
• Re-chill the dough if it becomes too warm while cutting out shapes. This will help the cookies maintain their structure.
• Use a small offset spatula to transfer delicate cookies to and from the baking sheet.
• Let the cookies cool completely before adding the jam to prevent it from melting and becoming too runny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes, store-bought cherry jam works perfectly, but if you prefer, you can use homemade jam for a more personalized touch.

2. How long do Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies last?
These cookies will stay fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

3. Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Once thawed, fill and dust them with powdered sugar just before serving.

4. Can I make these without nuts?
If you're allergic to nuts, you can replace almond flour with more all-purpose flour. However, this will change the flavor profile, making the cookies taste less traditional.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a classic treat that’s sure to impress, whether you’re baking for the holidays, special occasions, or simply for fun. With a delicate almond cookie and a sweet cherry filling, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. By following this guide, you’ll not only create a batch of stunning cookies, but also develop baking skills that you can apply to many more Linzer cookie variations. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share this wonderful recipe with your friends and family!

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