Incredible Linzer Biscuits: A Delightful Journey

Linzer biscuits, known for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet raspberry jam filling, are a classic treat that never fails to impress. These sandwich cookies, originating from the Austrian Linzer Torte, are a perfect balance of crisp and sweet with a subtle almond or nutty flavor. They are not only delicious but also make for beautiful, thoughtful gifts.

Ingredients

  • Soft butter – 150 g (2/3 cup or 1 1/4 sticks)
  • Powdered sugar – 75 g (2/3 cup)
  • Egg yolk – 1 large
  • Plain flour – 250 g (2 cups), sifted
  • Raspberry jam – 100 g (1/3 cup)

Method of Preparation

Rolling Out the Dough

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine 150 g of softened butter with 75 g of powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. This step is crucial for creating the biscuit’s tender texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk

Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add 1 large egg yolk to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the egg yolk is fully incorporated into the butter mixture. The egg yolk enriches the dough, making the cookies soft and delicate.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add 250 g of sifted plain flour into the butter mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or mixer on low speed until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky, making it easy to roll out later.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a sheet of baking paper. Place another sheet of baking paper on top, and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3-4 mm (approximately 1/8 inch). This step prevents the dough from sticking to your rolling pin. Once rolled out, place the dough in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up. Chilling the dough makes it easier to cut out the cookies cleanly without them losing shape during baking.

Baking to Perfection

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 6: Cut Out the Cookies

Remove the chilled dough from the freezer and, using a round cookie cutter (about 4-5 cm in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter (such as a heart or star) to cut a hole in the center. These will be the top halves of the Linzer biscuits.

Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. If the dough softens too much, place it back in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting out more cookies.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them as they can quickly become too hard. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before assembly.

Assembly and Filling

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before proceeding with the filling to prevent the jam from melting and becoming too runny.

Step 9: Spread with Raspberry Jam

On the bottom halves of the cookies (those without the cut-out center), spread a generous layer of raspberry jam. You can warm the jam slightly to make it easier to spread evenly across the cookie.

Step 10: Create the Sandwich

Take the top halves of the cookies (those with the cut-out centers) and gently press them onto the jam-coated bottom halves to create a sandwich. The jam should fill the cut-out center, adding a beautiful touch of color to the biscuits. Lightly dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for an extra decorative finish, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Linzer biscuits are best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal treat for an afternoon snack or a cozy gathering. They also make excellent gifts for friends and loved ones when packaged in a beautiful box, tied with a ribbon for that personal touch.


Baking Tips

  • Chilling the dough: Always chill the dough before cutting out the cookies. This will help maintain the shape of the cookies during baking, ensuring they don’t spread too much.
  • Cookie cutters: Use a small cookie cutter to create the signature cut-out in the top cookies. Popular shapes include hearts, stars, or circles, but feel free to experiment with other fun shapes for holidays or special occasions.
  • Jam variety: While raspberry jam is traditional, you can also use other fruit jams such as apricot, strawberry, or even a tart cherry jam for a different flavor profile.
  • Storage: Linzer biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The cookies may soften slightly over time due to the moisture from the jam, but this only makes them more flavorful.

Nutrition Information (per cookie, assuming 20 cookies):

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Sugars: 6 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg

Linzer biscuits are not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. Their delicate, buttery texture pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart raspberry jam, creating a balanced flavor that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you make them for holidays or simply as a weekend treat, these classic cookies are always a hit!

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