Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Linzer cookies are a delightful, buttery, and crumbly sandwich cookie that is as elegant as it is tasty. Traditionally filled with jam, the combination of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors makes these cookies perfect for any occasion—be it a holiday celebration, a tea party, or simply an afternoon indulgence. Our Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies take the classic recipe up a notch by incorporating almond flour and cherry preserves, which give the cookies a rich, nutty flavor and a pop of tangy sweetness. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how you can make this irresistible treat at home. Trust us, you won’t want to miss any part of this mouthwatering guide!

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What are Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a delightful variation of the traditional Austrian Linzer cookies, which are typically made with hazelnuts or almonds and filled with fruit preserves. In this version, we’re using almond flour to give the cookies a rich, nutty flavor, while cherry preserves bring a tart and sweet contrast to the buttery dough. The cookies are sandwich-style, with a top cookie featuring a cutout to reveal the luscious cherry filling inside. They are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray or any special event.

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Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is simple but relies on high-quality ingredients for the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (120g) almond flour – Adds a rich, nutty flavor and soft texture to the cookie dough.
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Ensures the cookies rise slightly for a perfect texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened – The base of the dough, providing richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough.
• 1 large egg yolk – Helps bind the dough together, adding richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the almond taste.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract – Complements the almond flour and boosts the nutty flavor.

For the Filling:

• ½ cup cherry preserves or jam – The star of the filling, bringing sweetness and tartness to balance the buttery cookies.

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar – Used to dust the top cookies, adding a beautiful and elegant finishing touch.

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Substitutions and Variations

Looking to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs? No problem! Here are some easy substitutions and variations that you can experiment with:

• Nut-Free Option: If you or someone you're baking for has a nut allergy, simply replace the almond flour with more all-purpose flour. The cookies will still be delicious, though they will lose the nutty undertone.
• Different Preserves: Don’t have cherry preserves? No worries! You can easily swap it for raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry preserve. Each will offer its own unique twist on the cookies.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Make sure the almond flour is certified gluten-free as well.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg yolk.

Experiment with these variations to make the perfect Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies for any occasion!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process to ensure you get the best results. Each step is essential to achieving those perfectly tender, nutty, and fruity Linzer cookies.

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
   • Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
   • Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
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 portion of the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
   • Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out as many circles as possible. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
   • Using a smaller cutter (such as a heart or star), cut out the centers of half of the cookie rounds. These will be the tops of your sandwich cookies.
3. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Once the cookies have cooled, sift powdered sugar over the cookies with the cutout centers (the tops).
   • Spread about 1 teaspoon of cherry preserves on each bottom cookie (the ones without the cutouts).
   • Gently place the sugar-dusted tops on the jam-covered bottoms to form a sandwich.
5. Final Touches:
   • Allow the cookies to sit for an hour or so to let the jam set. Once set, they’re ready to serve or package up for gift-giving!

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

The secret to perfect Linzer cookies lies in balancing the textures and flavors. Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps to follow:

1. Chill the Dough: It’s important to chill the dough for at least an hour. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their beautiful shape.
2. Roll Evenly: Make sure to roll the dough evenly to about ⅛ inch thickness. This ensures even baking.
3. Don’t Overbake: Linzer cookies are best when they are lightly golden around the edges. Watch them closely in the oven to avoid overbaking.
4. Jam Filling: Use a good-quality cherry preserve for the filling to achieve the perfect balance between sweet and tart.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To help you avoid any baking mishaps, here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them:

• Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step will cause your cookies to spread too much, losing their shape.
• Rolling the Dough Too Thick: This will result in cookies that are too dense and take longer to bake.
• Using Too Much Jam: Less is more when it comes to the filling. Too much jam can make the cookies soggy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Linzer cookies are not just delicious—they can be quite the showstoppers if presented well. Here are some tips to make your Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies look bakery-worthy:

• Dusting with Powdered Sugar: The classic look of Linzer cookies comes from a light dusting of powdered sugar on the top cookie. Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before you dust them to avoid melting the sugar.
• Cookie Cutouts: Get creative with the cutouts. While a circle is traditional, you can use hearts, stars, or other shapes for a more customized look.
• Serving Platters: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary for a festive touch.

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How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect treat for afternoon tea parties or as a sweet ending to a dinner party. They also make a thoughtful and beautiful gift during the holidays—simply package them in a decorative tin or gift box.

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Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

For an elegant presentation, line your serving platter with parchment paper and place the cookies in neat rows. You can also layer them in a glass jar for a rustic, homemade feel. Tie a ribbon around the jar or tin for an extra special touch when giving them as a gift.

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Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
• Flavor Boost: If you want to amplify the cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the dough for an extra fruity kick.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different types of jam for the filling?
Yes! While cherry preserves are our favorite, you can use any jam or preserve you like—raspberry, strawberry, or apricot are all excellent choices.

2. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

4. Can I make these cookies without almond flour?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour, though the cookies will lose their characteristic nutty flavor.

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Conclusion

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are an elegant and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate flavor and beautiful presentation. Try the recipe today, and don’t forget to experiment with different jams and cutout shapes to make them your own!

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