Sweet & Festive Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when these delightful iced cherry almond linzer cookies emerge from family recipe collections.

Delicate almond-infused pastry circles create windows of vibrant ruby-red jam peeking through carefully cut centers.

Crisp edges hint at delectable textures waiting to surprise you.

Powdered sugar dusts these elegant treats like soft winter snowfall.

Sophisticated yet playful, these cookies bridge childhood nostalgia with refined culinary craftsmanship.

Each bite promises a delicate balance of nutty warmth and fruity brightness.

Why Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Are Tasty

• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful cookies with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Impress guests at gatherings, afternoon teas, or family celebrations with these elegant and delicious sandwich cookies.
• Flavor Fusion Magic: Combine the rich, nutty taste of almonds with sweet cherry preserves for a mouthwatering treat that balances textures and tastes perfectly.
• Customizable Creativity: Experiment with different preserves or decorative cut-out shapes to make these cookies uniquely yours, adding a personal touch to a classic recipe.

Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile wheat flour that provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Almond Flour: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and tender texture to the cookies.
• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base that ensures a soft and delicate cookie.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a golden brown color when baked.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie dough.
• Almond Extract: Intensifies the almond flavor throughout the cookies.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the cherry and almond flavors.

• Cherry Preserves: A sweet and tangy filling that creates a delightful sandwich cookie.
• Powdered Sugar, Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and provides a classic finishing touch to the cookies.

How to Make Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for some cookie magic.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Almond flour
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Make sure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, light cloud-like mixture.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Pour in the egg and almond extract, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, fragrant base.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll out the dough to a thin 1/4 inch thickness.

Use round cookie cutters to create circles.

For half the rounds, cut a small shape in the center.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place cookies on a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Create Cookie Sandwiches

Once cookies are completely cool, spread cherry preserves on the solid cookie bases.

Top with the cut-out cookies to create a delightful sandwich.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pro Tips for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Mix almond and all-purpose flour thoroughly to ensure a consistent, tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticking and make cutting shapes easier.
• Use high-quality almond extract to boost the nutty flavor and create a more robust taste profile.
• Choose a thick, high-quality cherry preserve for a rich, concentrated fruit filling that doesn't make cookies soggy.
• Dust powdered sugar just before serving to maintain a crisp, clean appearance and prevent sugar absorption into the cookies.

Variations of Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour with ground almonds for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Linzer Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and use plant-based cherry jam for a dairy-free option.
• Nutty Alternative Cookies: Swap almond flour with hazelnut or pistachio flour for a different nutty flavor profile and unique texture.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Sandwich Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and sugar-free cherry preserves for a diabetic-friendly recipe.

Serving Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Cherry Almond Delight Plating: Arrange cookies on a vintage ceramic plate with delicate gold trim, showcasing their elegant design and inviting texture.
• Dessert Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a warm chai latte or cold almond milk to complement the cookie's nutty and fruity flavors.
• Gifting Presentation: Stack cookies in a clear gift box tied with a silk ribbon, perfect for hostess gifts or sweet personal celebrations.
• Seasonal Serving Touch: Garnish plate with fresh cherries or sprinkle edible rose petals for an extra romantic and sophisticated presentation.

Storing Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them flat to prevent breaking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in toaster oven at 200F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain crisp texture and prevent soggy results.
• Keep cookies in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and freshness.

FAQs

• What are Linzer cookies?

Linzer cookies are traditional Austrian sandwich cookies made with a buttery, nutty dough and filled with fruit preserves, typically featuring a decorative cut-out on the top cookie.

• Can I use a different type of flour?

While almond flour adds richness, you can substitute with more all-purpose flour, but this will change the texture and flavor of the cookies.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting to help maintain the cookie shape and prevent excessive spreading.

• What's the best way to cut the center shape?

Use small cookie cutters like hearts, stars, or circles. Make sure the cut-out is clean and centered for a professional look.

Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delicate iced cherry almond linzer cookies bring European bakery charm to summer dessert tables. Delicate sandwich cookies with crimson cherry jam peek through powdered sugar-dusted cutout windows, promising sweet moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Icing (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking workspace and tools, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature.
2. Thoroughly blend flour varieties, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry foundation.
3. Whip butter and sugar using an electric mixer until achieving a voluminous, pale texture with soft peaks.
4. Incorporate egg and almond extract into butter mixture, mixing until completely integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet components, gently kneading until a cohesive dough emerges.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness, using circular cutters to create uniform shapes.
7. Create decorative openings in half of the cookie rounds using smaller specialized cutters.
8. Transfer cookie shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining consistent spacing.
9. Bake at 350°F for 11-13 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as doneness indicator.
10. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks, preventing moisture accumulation.
11. Spread cherry preserves generously on solid cookie bases, ensuring even coverage.
12. Delicately position cut-out cookie tops, creating elegant sandwich presentations.
13. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar or applying decorative icing for enhanced visual appeal.

Notes

• Precision matters when rolling dough to ensure consistent cookie thickness and even baking.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain sharp cookie edges.
• Experiment with different nut flours like hazelnut or pistachio for unique flavor variations.
• Use homemade or high-quality fruit preserves for a more vibrant and authentic taste profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 102
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg