Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash

These delightful Linzer cookies are soft and sweet, featuring a raspberry jam center, a dusting of powdered sugar, and tender almond-flavored cut-out cookies. Perfect for any occasion, they make 25 sandwich cookies (50 halves).

Ingredients

For the Linzer Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature for 10 minutes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-2 cups raspberry or strawberry jam
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Equipment:

• Linzer cookie cutters, or a small heart-shaped cutter with a circle cutter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined.
   • Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
   • Place the flattened dough on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
4. Cut Out the Cookies:
   • Use the Linzer cookie cutters to cut out half the cookies with a plain cutter and the other half with a heart-shaped cut-out in the center. Alternatively, use the bottom of a small glass for half the cookies and a heart cutter for the other half.
   • Arrange the cut-out cookies on the prepared cookie sheet.
5. Chill and Bake:
   • Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 3-5 minutes to firm up the dough.
   • Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure the edges do not brown. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
6. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Dust the heart cut-out cookies with powdered sugar.
   • Spread a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam on the plain cookies.
   • Sandwich the cookies together, placing the powdered sugar-dusted heart cookies on top.
7. Storage:
   • Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain the best taste and texture.

Enjoy your delicious Linzer cookies! If you have any questions or need further tips, feel free to ask.