Best Linzer Cookies (Original Austrian Family Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
sifted
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 vanilla bean*
or 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
spooned and leveled
- 1 cup almond flour
spooned and leveled
- ½ cup apricot
or strawberry jam
- powdered sugar for decoration
optional
Directions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, mix the butter on medium speed until creamy for about 1-2 minutes. Add the sugar and mix to combine. Stir in the egg yolks until combined. Add the salt, cinnamon, vanilla*, and lemon juice and mix just until incorporated. On low speed, stir in flour and almond flour just to combine.
- 2
Divide the dough in half and shape into 1-inch (2.6cm) thick discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
- 3
Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C and line 2 or 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- 4
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc at a time 1/4 inch (0.6cm) thick. Using a 2-inch (5cm) cookie cutter of your choice, cut out cookies and place about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets. You should end up with about 64 cookies.
- 5
Bake one sheet at a time for 9-10 minutes until they look dry. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- 6
Fill cooled cookies with jam by spreading jam on the bottom of one cookie and placing another on top. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Linzer Cookies (Original Austrian Family Recipe)
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About this Recipe
Craving a taste of European holiday magic or a delightful treat any time of year? These Best Linzer Cookies, an Original Austrian Family Recipe, offer that perfect blend of buttery tenderness and sweet fruit jam that has been cherished for centuries.
This classic Linzer cookie recipe shines because it perfectly balances the richness of unsalted butter with the delicate crumb of almond flour, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines an authentic Austrian cookie. The aromatic addition of a vanilla bean and a bright spark from freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates the overall flavor, making these buttery sandwich cookies truly special and reminiscent of a cherished family tradition.
Prepare for a truly exquisite cookie experience that captures the essence of European baking. You'll bite into a soft, tender, and subtly crumbly shortbread-like cookie that practically melts on your tongue, thanks to the perfect ratio of butter and flour. The rich, sweet base is beautifully complemented by the vibrant, fruity tang of apricot or strawberry jam filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. A final, delicate dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegant sweetness, completing these traditional Austrian delights.
Customization & Variations
- While apricot and strawberry are traditional, other fruit preserves could also work beautifully as the jam filling if you wish to experiment.
- If a vanilla bean isn't readily available, you can easily substitute it with 1 teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract as noted in the ingredients.
These elegant Linzer cookies are a beloved Christmas cookie tradition in Austria, but their delightful taste makes them perfect for enjoying all year round. They're wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a sophisticated dessert on any occasion.