Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Linzer cookies are a beautiful, elegant dessert, typically associated with holiday baking, but they’re perfect for any occasion. These Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies add a delightful twist to the traditional version by incorporating the rich, nutty flavor of almonds and a sweet-tart cherry jam filling. These sandwich cookies are buttery, tender, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect treat for any cookie platter or festive gathering. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look stunning with their iconic cut-out design dusted with powdered sugar.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, from making the almond-infused dough to assembling and decorating the cookies with vibrant cherry filling. Let’s get baking!

What are “Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies”?

Linzer cookies are inspired by the Linzer torte, a traditional Austrian pastry made with ground nuts, butter, and jam. In cookie form, they feature a shortbread-like dough made with almonds (or hazelnuts), rolled out and cut into shapes. The cookies are typically sandwiched with a fruit jam filling, and the top cookie has a small cut-out to showcase the filling underneath. For this version, we’re using ground almonds in the dough and cherry jam for a tart-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery base.

Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Before you start, gather the following ingredients. The combination of almonds and cherries is irresistible, and these cookies are surprisingly easy to make with just a few staple ingredients.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground blanched almonds)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm touch)

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup cherry jam or preserves (preferably seedless)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a hint of tartness)

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting the top cookies)

Substitutions and Variations

Linzer cookies are versatile, and you can make a few changes based on your preferences or ingredients on hand. Here are some ideas:

1. Other Nuts: If you don’t have almonds, you can substitute hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans. Just be sure to grind them finely into flour.
2. Different Jam Fillings: While cherry jam is used in this recipe, you can switch it up with raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam, depending on your taste. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your almond flour is certified gluten-free.
4. Lemon or Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the dough for a fresh, fragrant twist.
5. Chocolate Filling: Instead of jam, you can fill the cookies with Nutella, chocolate ganache, or even lemon curd for a different flavor combination.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s go through the steps to create these delicious Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies.

1. Make the Dough:

• Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
• Add the Egg Yolk and Extracts: Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. The almond extract adds a wonderful nutty aroma to the dough.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
• Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

2. Roll and Cut the Cookies:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks to about ⅛-inch thickness. Be sure to work quickly to prevent the dough from softening too much.
• Cut the Cookies: Use a 2-inch round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter (such as a heart, star, or circle) to cut out the centers. These will be the top cookies that showcase the filling.
• Transfer to Baking Sheets: Carefully transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Re-roll the dough scraps and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.

3. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies with the cutouts may bake a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.
• Cool Completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Be careful, as the cookies will be delicate when warm.

4. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

• Warm the Jam: In a small saucepan, warm the cherry jam over low heat until it becomes slightly runny. If the jam is very sweet, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
• Strain the Jam: If you prefer a smoother filling, strain the jam through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large chunks or seeds.
• Cool: Allow the jam to cool slightly before filling the cookies.

5. Assemble the Cookies:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before assembling, dust the cookies with the cutout shapes (the tops) with powdered sugar.
• Fill the Cookies: Spread about ½ teaspoon of cherry jam onto the bottom cookies (the ones without cutouts).
• Top with Cutout Cookies: Gently press a top cookie onto each jam-covered bottom cookie, creating a sandwich. The jam should peek through the cutout shape in the top cookie.

6. Let Set and Serve:

• Let the Cookies Set: Allow the cookies to sit for about 15–30 minutes to let the jam set and hold the cookies together.
• Serve: Serve the cookies on a platter, or store them in an airtight container. They are beautiful additions to any holiday or special occasion dessert spread!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Linzer cookies is simple, but a few common mistakes can occur. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

1. Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and to make rolling easier.
2. Overworking the Dough: Be careful not to overmix or overhandle the dough, as it can become tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
3. Too Much Filling: Avoid overfilling the cookies with jam. A thin layer is enough to hold the cookie sandwich together without oozing out of the sides.
4. Skipping the Dusting Step: Always dust the top cookies with powdered sugar before assembling, as dusting afterward will make the filling sticky.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are visually stunning and deserve to be presented beautifully. Here are some serving tips:

• Holiday Display: Arrange the cookies on a tiered platter or cake stand for an elegant holiday table centerpiece.
• Gift Boxes: Linzer cookies make wonderful edible gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or a clear gift box tied with a festive ribbon.
• Cookie Platter: Serve them as part of a holiday cookie platter along with other seasonal favorites like gingerbread cookies and shortbread.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are perfect with a hot beverage such as tea, coffee, or cocoa. The rich butteriness of the cookie and the tart-sweetness of the cherry filling pair perfectly with a warm drink.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

1. Festive Shapes: Use a variety of cookie cutters for the cutout shapes, such as hearts, stars, or snowflakes, depending on the occasion.
2. Zigzag Drizzle: If you want to take the presentation up a notch, drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the assembled cookies.
3. Stacked Presentation: For a sophisticated look, stack the cookies in small towers and dust them lightly with more powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
• Storing Cookies: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. The cookies will soften slightly over time as they absorb moisture from the filling.
• Freezing the Cookies: You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Assemble them with jam after thawing when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked, unfilled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw them and fill with jam.

How long do Linzer cookies stay fresh?
Linzer cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you store them in the refrigerator, they’ll keep for up to a week.

Do I need to use almond flour?
Almond flour gives these cookies their traditional nutty flavor, but you can substitute with hazelnut flour or skip the nut flour altogether if needed. However, the nutty taste is part of what makes these cookies special!

Can I use other fillings?
Absolutely! While cherry jam is used in this recipe, you can use any fruit preserve or even chocolate spread for a different take.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, buttery almond dough and tart cherry filling. These beautiful sandwich cookies are not only delicious but also visually impressive, making them ideal for holidays, special occasions, or gifting to friends and family. With their delicate cutouts and a dusting of powdered sugar, they’ll add a touch of elegance to any cookie tray. Follow this recipe, and enjoy making (and eating!) these stunning cookies. Happy baking!

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