Strawberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful and elegant treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the sweet, tartness of strawberry jam. Inspired by the classic Linzer torte, these cookies feature a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a beautiful jam-filled center. With their vibrant color and charming presentation, they are perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply as a delicious addition to your cookie jar.

The signature cut-out design of the cookies, showcasing the bright strawberry filling, makes them not only delicious but visually stunning as well. The slightly nutty flavor from the almond flour adds depth and complexity to the cookies, while the sweetness of the strawberry jam brings everything together. Whether you are serving them at a festive party or gifting them to loved ones, Strawberry Linzer Cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Linzer Cookies

• Buttery and Nutty Flavor: These cookies are made with a blend of all-purpose flour and almond flour, which gives them a rich, buttery taste with a hint of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the strawberry jam.
• Sweet and Tart Strawberry Jam: The homemade or store-bought strawberry jam filling offers a sweet and slightly tangy contrast to the buttery cookie, creating a perfect balance of flavors in each bite.
• Elegant Presentation: With their delicate cut-out center showcasing the vibrant strawberry filling, these cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious—making them ideal for gift-giving and festive occasions.
• Perfect Texture: The dough is soft, yet sturdy enough to hold its shape when cut out, and the cookies bake to a perfectly tender consistency. The sweet jam filling complements the crumbly texture of the cookies.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a tea party, or simply enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, Strawberry Linzer Cookies are a timeless treat that can be enjoyed year-round.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 20-24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Around 130-150 calories per cookie, depending on portion size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 130-150 kcal
• Fat: 7-9g
• Carbohydrates: 18-20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Linzer Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour (or ground almonds)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves (for filling)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a tender and soft cookie texture.

Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat well until fully combined. The egg will help bind the dough together and the vanilla will add a pleasant depth of flavor.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. The almond flour adds a nutty richness to the cookies, while the baking powder helps the dough rise slightly during baking.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this could result in tough cookies. The dough should come together into a smooth, soft ball.

3. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, divide it into two halves and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap the disks of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is important as it makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.

4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, remove one disk from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness using a rolling pin. You may need to sprinkle a little extra flour on top of the dough to prevent it from sticking.

Using a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter), cut out as many circles as you can from the dough. These will be the base of your cookies. Once all the circles are cut out, place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

6. Cut Out the Centers

For the top cookies, take the same round cookie cutter or a smaller cookie cutter (such as a heart or star shape) and cut out the center of each cookie. This will create the signature cut-out design that reveals the jam filling.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies should be delicate and soft. The top cookies with the cut-out centers may bake a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, take the bottom cookies (the ones without the cut-out) and spread a generous teaspoon of strawberry jam or preserves on each one. Be sure to spread the jam all the way to the edges to ensure a nice jam-to-cookie ratio.

Then, place the top cookies (the ones with the cut-out center) on top of the jam-covered bottom cookies. Gently press down to secure the two cookies together. You should now have a beautiful cookie with a peek of strawberry jam showing through the cut-out center.

9. Dust with Powdered Sugar

For a finishing touch, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar. This adds a light sweetness and a lovely, snowy appearance to the cookies, making them look even more elegant.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Your Strawberry Linzer Cookies are now ready to enjoy! They can be served immediately, or stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Linzer Cookies

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sugar. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter may cause the dough to spread too much.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and for maintaining the shape of the cookies during baking.
• Flour Your Rolling Pin and Surface: Since this dough can be a bit sticky, be sure to flour your work surface and rolling pin lightly to prevent the dough from sticking. You can also roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to make this process even easier.
• Use Good Quality Jam: The jam filling is an important component of the flavor, so use a high-quality strawberry jam or preserves. Homemade jam will make the cookies even more special!
• Customize the Cut-Out Shape: While a round cut-out is traditional, you can use any shape for the top cookie. Hearts, stars, or flowers are great options for special occasions.

Variations of Strawberry Linzer Cookies

• Different Jam Fillings: While strawberry is the classic choice, you can experiment with other fruit jams, such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry. Each type of jam will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the cookies.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the jam and enhances the overall taste.
• Chocolate Linzer Cookies: For a chocolate version, replace ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to give the cookies a rich, chocolatey base. You can pair this with raspberry or cherry jam for a decadent twist.
• Nut-Free Linzer Cookies: If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use almonds, you can substitute the almond flour with all-purpose flour or oat flour for a different texture and flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Linzer Cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, as the jam filling can soften the cookies over time. To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies, but be aware that the jam may become a little more firm when chilled.

If you want to freeze the cookies, assemble them without the powdered sugar, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave the cookies at room temperature for about an hour and dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Linzer Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with a few complementary treats can elevate your experience:

• Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee is the perfect companion to these buttery, jam-filled cookies. Consider pairing them with a floral tea, such as chamomile or Earl Grey, or a rich cup of coffee.
• Fruit Platter: The sweetness of the cookies pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit platter. Serve them alongside berries, citrus, or sliced apples for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
• Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve these cookies with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the crumbly texture of the cookies.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Linzer Cookies are a beautiful, flavorful treat that combines the best of shortbread and fruit jam in one delightful package. Their rich, buttery flavor, paired with the sweet and tangy strawberry jam filling, makes them a perfect cookie for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, special event, or just a cozy afternoon, these cookies will impress both visually and taste-wise.

With their easy-to-follow instructions, simple ingredients, and customizable flavors, Strawberry Linzer Cookies are a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Dusted with powdered sugar and filled with bright strawberry jam, these cookies are sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy every delicious bite!