Imagine a cookie so exquisite, it transports you straight to the charming cafés of Austria with just one bite. These Classic Linzer Cookies with Bourbon Cherry Jam are not just a dessert—they're a culinary masterpiece that combines delicate, nutty cookie layers with a luxurious bourbon-infused cherry filling. Perfect for those who crave a sophisticated treat that looks as stunning as it tastes, these sandwich cookies are about to become your new obsession. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a gourmet experience, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game to professional pastry chef levels!
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 57 mins
Cuisine: Austrian
Serves: 12 sandwich cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup bourbon cherry jam
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Remove butter and eggs from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature. This ensures better mixing and texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up and make rolling easier.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use round cookie cutters, cutting equal numbers of solid and cut-out tops.
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
- Spread bourbon cherry jam on solid cookie bottoms, leaving a small border. Carefully place cut-out tops over jam.
- Dust cookies generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve just before serving.
- Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Cookies can be refrigerated for enhanced jam flavor.
Tips
- • Temperature is crucial! Always bring butter and eggs to room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture. • Chill your dough thoroughly—this prevents cookies from spreading and helps maintain their delicate shape. • Use a fine-mesh sieve for the most elegant powdered sugar dusting. • When cutting out cookie tops, use decorative cutters for an extra-special presentation. • Don't overmix the dough—this can lead to tough cookies instead of tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats. • Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent jam from running. • For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the ground almonds before mixing into the dough. • These cookies actually improve in flavor after a day, so they're perfect for make-ahead desserts. • Store carefully between parchment layers to preserve their delicate structure.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
