The Perfect Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe for Sweet Treats

Crafting delightful cherry almond linzer cookies transforms an ordinary afternoon into a sweet adventure of flavor and fun.

Delicate almond-infused dough creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that surprises and delights.

Powdered sugar dusts these elegant treats, adding a touch of whimsy to each bite.

Sandwiched with vibrant cherry jam, these cookies bring a burst of color and joy to any gathering.

Crisp edges and tender centers make them irresistible to both kids and adults.

Baking these linzer cookies feels like sharing a little piece of homemade happiness.

You’ll want to clear your schedule and start mixing these delectable morsels right now.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies: A Sweet Classic

• Craft Stunning Desserts: Create beautiful linzer cookies with elegant window designs that make any plate look professionally decorated.
• Burst with Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the perfect blend of almond-infused cookies with sweet-tangy cherry preserves, delivering a sophisticated taste experience that delights taste buds.
• Quick Customization Potential: Swap out cherry preserves for other jam flavors, experiment with different shaped cutters, and personalize these cookies to match any celebration or mood.
• Family-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engage kids and adults alike in a fun cooking activity where everyone can help roll dough, cut shapes, and assemble these delightful treats together.

What You’ll Need for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Egg: Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Almond Flour: Adds nutty flavor and tender texture to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a crisp cookie edge.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Add depth and aromatic flavors to the cookie dough.
• Cherry Preserves: Provides sweet, fruity filling between cookie layers.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to the cherry preserves.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, sweet dusting on the cookie tops.

How to Bake Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Butter Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.

The goal is to create a fluffy, cloud-like texture that will make your cookies incredibly tender.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Blend these ingredients smoothly into the butter mixture, creating a rich and fragrant base.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Almond flour
• Salt

Whisk these together until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture.

Mix until everything comes together in a cohesive dough.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a smooth disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.

This helps develop flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 6: Prep for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Roll and Shape Cookies

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.

Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to create base cookies.

For half the cookies, cut out cute center shapes like hearts or stars to create window designs.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color.

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 9: Assemble with Sweet Charm

Spread cherry preserves on the full cookies.

For an extra zing, mix in a touch of lemon juice to the preserves.

Dust the window-cut cookies with powdered sugar.

Step 10: Create Cookie Magic

Sandwich the powdered sugar-dusted window cookies on top of the jam-covered base cookies.

Press gently to create beautiful Linzer cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and ensure a crisp, clean-cut shape during baking.
• Choose high-quality cherry preserves with minimal chunks for a smooth, elegant filling that complements the delicate almond flavor.
• Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to easily handle the delicate dough without tearing or sticking.
• Use small, intricate cookie cutters to make precise center designs that add visual interest and elegance to the Linzer cookies.
• Watch cookies closely and remove from the oven when edges are just lightly golden to maintain a tender, delicate texture.

Variations to Customize Linzer Cookies

• Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour and almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free almond flour for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose plant-based preserves without animal-derived ingredients.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a sugar-free cherry jam to reduce overall sugar content.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap almond flour with hazelnut or pistachio flour for a different nutty flavor profile and unique texture in the cookie base.

Presentation and Serving for Linzer Cookies

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these elegant Linzer cookies on a vintage ceramic plate, creating a beautiful display with powdered sugar peeking through delicate cut-out windows.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these cherry almond cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or delicate chamomile.
• Dessert Gifting Delight: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a rustic twine or silk ribbon. Add a few fresh cherries or almond slivers for an extra touch, creating a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and thoughtfully prepared.

Storage Advice for Linzer Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies will stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. They'll stay crisp and tasty for 2-3 days if stored in a cool, dry spot.

FAQs

• Why use almond flour in this recipe?

Almond flour adds a rich, nutty flavor and creates a more tender, delicate texture to the cookies compared to using only all-purpose flour.

• Can I substitute cherry preserves with another jam?

Yes, you can use other fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry, but cherry complements the almond flavor perfectly.

• How thin should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness for the best cookie texture – thin enough to be delicate but not so thin that it breaks easily.

• Do I need any special tools to make Linzer cookies?

A round or fluted cookie cutter and a smaller shape cutter for the window are helpful, but you can use knives or different shaped cutters if needed.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful cherry almond linzer cookies showcase Austrian baking traditions with elegant sandwich cookies featuring nutty almond shortbread and sweet cherry jam. Festive treats offer delicate crumbles and rich flavors you will savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 large egg

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup cherry preserves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Finishing Ingredient:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Combine softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl, whipping until airy and pale, creating a smooth, fluffy base for the cookie dough.
2. Incorporate egg, vanilla, and almond extracts into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Form the dough into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour to firm up and enhance flavor development.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the cookies.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a consistent 1/8-inch thickness, ensuring even baking.
8. Use round or fluted cookie cutters to create base cookies, then carefully cut decorative window shapes in half of the cookies.
9. Arrange cookie cutouts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to prevent merging during baking.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn delicately golden, creating a crisp, tender texture.
11. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to room temperature.
12. Spread cherry preserves on whole cookies, optionally enhancing with a touch of lemon juice for brightness.
13. Dust window-cut cookies with powdered sugar, then carefully layer them atop the jam-covered cookies to create elegant sandwich cookies.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain sharp cookie edges during baking.
• Use high-quality cherry preserves for a rich, authentic fruit flavor that complements the almond undertones.
• Experiment with different jam flavors like raspberry or apricot for delightful variations on the classic recipe.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose and almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Austrian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg