Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Elevate your holiday baking with these delightful Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies! These sandwich-style cookies feature tender, buttery almond shortbread with a sweet cherry jam filling, all topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. Linzer cookies are a classic treat, traditionally made with a lattice or cutout design on top, allowing the bright red cherry filling to peek through. These cookies are perfect for special occasions, from holiday celebrations to afternoon tea, and are as beautiful as they are delicious. Follow this recipe to create these elegant and flavorful cookies that will impress everyone at your next gathering!

this Recipe

What are Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are based on the famous Austrian Linzer torte, which features a buttery, nutty crust filled with jam. These cookies take that concept and transform it into sandwich-style cookies made from an almond-based shortbread dough with a jam filling in the center. Traditionally filled with raspberry jam, this recipe swaps in cherry jam for a unique twist. The cookie dough is flavored with almond extract to enhance the nuttiness, and the cookies are often finished with powdered sugar or icing. Linzer cookies are a holiday favorite, but they can be enjoyed year-round thanks to their delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients for the almond shortbread cookies, cherry jam filling, and optional icing.

For the Almond Shortbread Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Jam Filling:

• ¾ cup cherry jam or preserves (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance the tartness of the cherry jam)

For the Icing (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Optional: Food coloring for festive decoration

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies (Double Check)

Here’s a quick double-check to make sure you have everything ready:

For the Almond Shortbread Cookies:

• Almond flour gives these cookies their signature nutty flavor. If you can’t find almond flour, finely ground almonds will work just as well.
• Almond extract enhances the almond flavor, while vanilla extract adds depth to the shortbread dough.

For the Cherry Jam Filling:

• Store-bought cherry jam works perfectly for this recipe, but you can also use homemade jam if you have some on hand. Adding a touch of lemon juice to the jam helps balance the sweetness with a little tartness.

For the Icing:

• This step is optional, but a simple almond-flavored icing can be drizzled over the finished cookies for extra sweetness and decoration.

Substitutions and Variations

Linzer cookies are highly customizable, allowing you to get creative with different flavors and fillings. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

1. Flavored Variations:

• Raspberry Linzer Cookies: Use raspberry jam instead of cherry jam for a more traditional flavor.
• Apricot Linzer Cookies: Swap the cherry jam for apricot preserves to give these cookies a deliciously different fruity twist.
• Mixed Berry Linzer Cookies: Use a combination of different berry jams like blackberry, blueberry, or strawberry for a mixed berry flavor.

1. Texture Variations:

• Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit the almond flour and replace it with additional all-purpose flour.
• Oat Linzer Cookies: For a slightly different texture, replace half of the all-purpose flour with ground oats for a heartier cookie.

1. Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) as a replacement for the egg yolk.

1. Icing Alternatives:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of icing, drizzle the tops of the cookies with melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
• Citrus Glaze: Make a citrus glaze with powdered sugar and lemon or orange juice for a zesty contrast to the cherry filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to make perfect cherry almond Linzer cookies, filled with cherry jam and optionally iced for a beautiful and delicious finish.

1. Prepare the Almond Shortbread Dough

• Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg yolk and extracts: Beat in the egg yolk, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

2. Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to about ⅛-inch thick.
• Cut out the cookies: Use a 2- or 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as you can. Transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Cut the center out of half the cookies: Use a smaller round or shaped cookie cutter (about 1 inch) to cut out the center of half of the cookies (these will be the tops of the sandwich cookies).
• Re-roll the scraps: Gather the dough scraps, re-roll them, and continue cutting out cookies until all the dough is used.

3. Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking.
• Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Assemble the Cookies

• Spread the jam: Stir the cherry jam to loosen it, and spread about 1 teaspoon of jam onto the bottom (flat side) of each whole cookie (the ones without cutouts).
• Top the cookies: Place a cutout cookie on top of each jam-covered cookie, gently pressing them together to create a sandwich.
• Dust with powdered sugar: If desired, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a classic Linzer cookie finish.

5. Make the Icing (Optional)

• Mix the icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
• Decorate the cookies: Drizzle the icing over the tops of the cookies using a spoon or a piping bag with a small tip. You can also add food coloring to the icing for a festive touch.

6. Let the Icing Set

• Let the cookies dry: Allow the iced cookies to sit at room temperature until the icing has set, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

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

Here’s a quick summary of how to make iced cherry almond Linzer cookies:

1. Dough: Make the almond shortbread dough by creaming butter and sugar, then adding flour and flavorings. Chill the dough to make it easier to handle.
2. Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough and cut out the cookies, making sure to cut out small shapes from the center of half of them.
3. Bake: Bake until golden, then let the cookies cool completely.
4. Assemble: Spread cherry jam onto the bottom cookies and sandwich them with the top cookies (with cutouts).
5. Decorate: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing, and let the cookies set before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Chilling the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps them hold their shape.
• Overfilling with Jam: Be careful not to overfill the cookies with jam, as it can ooze out the sides when sandwiched.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than tender short

bread.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas to serve and present your iced cherry almond Linzer cookies beautifully:

How to Serve Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Serve at Room Temperature: These cookies are best served at room temperature to allow the jam to soften slightly.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Linzer cookies are perfect when served with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Presentation Ideas for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Decorative Icing: Use different colors of icing or add sprinkles for a festive, holiday-inspired look.
• Cutout Shapes: Get creative with the cutout shapes on the top cookies. Use heart-shaped, star-shaped, or holiday-themed cutters to make your cookies more festive.
• Gift Packaging: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts. Place them in decorative boxes or tins, lined with parchment paper, for a thoughtful present.

Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

• Sift the Flour: For a more delicate cookie texture, sift the all-purpose flour before adding it to the dough.
• Store the Cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw and then assemble with jam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Linzer cookies in advance?
Yes! You can make the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Assemble the cookies with jam and decorate them just before serving.

2. How long do Linzer cookies last?
Linzer cookies will last for about 5 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to a week.

3. Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Once thawed, you can assemble them with jam and finish with icing or powdered sugar.

4. Can I use other types of jam for Linzer cookies?
Absolutely! Raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or any of your favorite fruit jams can be used to fill Linzer cookies.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out and cutting the cookies. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Conclusion

Iced cherry almond Linzer cookies are a beautiful and delicious treat, perfect for holidays or special occasions. With their tender, almond-flavored shortbread and sweet cherry jam filling, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with almond-flavored icing, these cookies will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your dessert table. Get creative with the cutouts and decorations to make them your own, and enjoy these delightful sandwich cookies at your next celebration!

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