Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Iced cherry almond Linzer cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Linzer cookie, combining the sweet and tangy flavor of cherry preserves with the nuttiness of almond flour. These delicate sandwich cookies feature buttery almond-flavored dough, with a cut-out window revealing the cherry preserves in the center. A light drizzle of icing adds a beautiful and delicious finishing touch, making these cookies perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just as an indulgent treat with tea or coffee. Follow this step-by-step guide to create beautiful and delicious iced cherry almond Linzer cookies.

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What are Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are a variation of the Austrian Linzer Torte, traditionally made with a nutty, buttery dough and filled with fruit preserves, often raspberry. The dough is usually made with almond flour, giving it a rich, nutty flavor, while the preserves add sweetness and a pop of color. The cookies are sandwiched together with a window cut-out on the top cookie, allowing the jam to peek through. For this recipe, we’re using cherry preserves and adding a drizzle of icing for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Ingredients List for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup cherry preserves (or more as needed)

For the Icing (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar for dusting the tops of the cookies (before assembling)

Substitutions and Variations

Linzer cookies are versatile, and you can easily adapt the recipe to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations to try:

• Nut Alternatives: If you don’t have almond flour, you can use hazelnut flour or pecan flour for a different flavor profile.
• Jam Variations: Swap the cherry preserves for raspberry, apricot, or even strawberry jam, depending on your preference. For a festive touch, use a mix of red and green jams for holiday cookie platters.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Sugar Substitutes: If you’re reducing sugar intake, try using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol in both the cookie dough and icing.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make these beautiful iced cherry almond Linzer cookies from scratch, step by step.

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough.

2. Roll and Cut the Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a 2- to 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
• Place half of the circles on the prepared baking sheets. These will be the bottom halves of the cookies.
• For the top halves of the cookies, use a smaller cutter (like a heart, star, or round) to cut out a window in the center of the remaining circles.
• Repeat with the second disk of dough. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut as needed.

3. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly due to their delicate nature.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Icing (Optional):

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency—a thicker icing will create defined drizzles, while a thinner icing will spread more.
• Set the icing aside.

5. Assemble the Cookies:

• Once the cookies have cooled completely, lightly dust the top cookies (the ones with the cut-out window) with powdered sugar.
• Spread about 1 teaspoon of cherry preserves onto each bottom cookie.
• Gently press a top cookie onto each filled cookie to create a sandwich, with the jam peeking through the cut-out window.

6. Drizzle with Icing (Optional):

• Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the icing over the top of the assembled cookies in a zigzag pattern or as desired. Let the icing set for 15-20 minutes before serving or storing.

How to Cook Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Linzer cookies is a process that involves chilling the dough, rolling and cutting out the shapes, baking, and assembling. Here are a few key tips to ensure success:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for two reasons: it firms up the butter in the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much, and it makes the dough easier to roll and cut.
• Cutting Shapes: Be sure to use the same size cookie cutter for the top and bottom halves, and make a neat, even cut-out in the top cookie so the jam shows through beautifully.
• Don’t Overfill: When adding the cherry preserves, don’t use too much—about a teaspoon per cookie is usually enough. Too much filling can cause it to ooze out of the sides when you sandwich the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Linzer cookies are fairly simple to make, there are a few common mistakes that can impact your results:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step will cause the cookies to spread too much and lose their shape. Chilling also helps the flavors develop and results in a more tender cookie.
• Overbaking: Linzer cookies are meant to be delicate and slightly crisp, so be careful not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden.
• Uneven Cookie Thickness: Be sure to roll the dough evenly to ensure the cookies bake uniformly. If some cookies are thicker than others, the thinner ones may burn while the thicker ones remain undercooked.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Linzer cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, and a few extra touches can make them even more impressive when serving or gifting.

How to Serve Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies:

• Serve these cookies on a decorative platter, and be sure to space them out so the jam-filled windows are visible.
• Pair them with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a classic combination.

Presentation Ideas for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies:

• Cookie Tins: Linzer cookies make fantastic holiday gifts. Package them in a decorative tin or box with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust the top cookies with powdered sugar for a classic, snowy look before assembling the cookies.
• Festive Shapes: For the holidays, use seasonal cookie cutters like stars, Christmas trees, or snowflakes for the cut-out shapes.

Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your iced cherry almond Linzer cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Good Quality Preserves: The jam is the star of these cookies, so choose a high-quality cherry preserve or jam for the best flavor. If the preserves are too runny, simmer them in a saucepan for a few minutes to thicken.
• Freeze the Dough: If you’re short on time, you can make the dough in advance and freeze it for up to a month. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting the dough.
• Keep Icing Simple: If you’re not confident with piping, drizzle the icing with a spoon or fork for a rustic look. You can also skip the icing if you prefer a simpler cookie.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of jam for Linzer cookies?
A: Absolutely! While cherry preserves add a nice contrast to the almond dough, you can use raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam as well. Pick your favorite!

Q: How long will Linzer cookies stay fresh?
A: Linzer cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If the cookies have icing, you may want to store them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.

Q: Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookies. Simply bake the cookies, let them cool completely, and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies and assemble them with the preserves and icing.

Conclusion

Iced cherry almond Linzer cookies are a stunning, classic treat that’s perfect for special occasions or simply as an indulgent snack. The combination of buttery almond dough, sweet-tangy cherry preserves, and a light drizzle of icing makes these cookies a delightful and elegant addition to any dessert table. With the step-by-step guide, helpful tips, and variations provided in this recipe, you’ll be able to create perfect Linzer cookies every time. Enjoy these delicious cookies with a cup of tea or share them as gifts during the holidays!

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