Christmas Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Christmas Linzer Cookies With Raspberry Jam
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Recipe Introduction: Christmas Linzer Cookies
Fancy some festive baking? Honestly, who doesn't love a good cookie, especially when it screams christmas ? These Linzer cookies with raspberry jam are a total winner.
They are just christmas dessert ideas !
Quick Hook
Ever wonder what christmas cookies recipe makes the perfect christmas treat? These Linzer cookies are your answer. These are buttery, jam-filled, and have a sweet-tart flavour that’s irresistible.
Brief Overview
Linzer cookies come from Austria. They're like mini Linzer tortes! Linzer cookies are medium difficulty and take about 1. 5 hours.
This recipe makes about 20 cookies, perfect for sharing. They are some of the best christmas treats to share.
Main Benefits
These cookies aren't just yummy, they're also christmas baking perfection! The raspberry jam adds a dose of antioxidants. Serve these at your next christmas cookie exchange or as part of your homemade christmas gifts .
They're guaranteed to impress. You know?
Right then, let's get into the ingredient list for these delightful treats. We'll make some easy christmas cookies . You will be amazed how easy it is!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, so you wanna bake some cracking Linzer cookies this christmas ? Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward, even if you're a bit of a novice baker.
Honestly, these easy christmas cookies will impress!
Main Players
- Unsalted Butter: 225g (1 cup/2 sticks). Make sure it's softened, but cool to the touch.
- Granulated Sugar: 100g (½ cup). Nothing fancy here.
- Large Egg: Just 1 will do!
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to ramp up the flavour.
- Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon . This gives it a bit of a christmas twist.
- All-Purpose Flour: 280g (2 ¼ cups), plus extra for dusting.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon . Just a pinch!
- Lemon Zest: From half a lemon, roughly 1 teaspoon .
- Raspberry Jam: 200g (¾ cup). Go for good quality for christmas baking !
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon , freshly squeezed.
- Icing Sugar: For dusting. Loads of it for christmas cookie decorating ideas !
Quality butter is key. That's what gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Oh my gosh! I love the thought of homemade christmas gifts !.
Spicing It Up
For these festive Linzer cookies, a little lemon zest in the dough goes a long way. The almond extract gives a nice warmth too.
You could swap the raspberry jam for apricot if you're feeling adventurous! If you want a traditional christmas cookies flavor, add a tiny pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
Kit You'll Need
- Mixer: Stand or hand, your choice.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
- Linzer Cookie Cutters: Essential for that classic look. These are easily some of the most festive desserts you can make.
- Baking Sheets: And parchment paper, or silicone mats.
- Small Saucepan: For the jam.
- Sieve or Sifter: For that perfect icing sugar dusting.
No fancy kit is needed! If you don't have cookie cutters, improvise! A small knife works too. I remember one year using a shot glass for christmas cookies.
We were tight on money, you know? Don't sweat it!
The Magic of Linzer Cookies: A Christmas Baking Adventure
Oh my gosh, are we really talking about christmas baking already? Honestly, it feels like summer was just yesterday! But hey, I'm not complaining because that means it's time for christmas cookies recipe action! And these Linzer cookies? They're seriously next-level.
Forget those boring, plain biscuits. We're talking about a masterpiece, a christmas dessert ideas that will impress everyone!
Prep Steps: Your Linzer Cookie Survival Kit
First, the mise en place . Basically, get everything prepped. Butter (225g), sugar (100g), egg, extracts, flour (280g), salt, lemon zest and jam.
Soften your butter, but not too soft. Cool to the touch is key! Organisation is everything . Measure out all your ingredients before you even think about turning on the mixer.
Safety first! Remember to keep those fingers away from the beaters. And oven gloves are your best friend. I burned myself once trying to sneak a cookie out too early. Not fun!
Linzer Cookie Creation Station: Step-by-Step
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in your mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract and lemon zest until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial!
- Preheat your oven to 175° C/ 350° F .
- Roll out dough to about 3mm thick, cut out cookies with Linzer cutters.
- Bake for 10- 12 minutes . Aim for lightly golden brown edges!
- Cool, dust with icing sugar, fill with raspberry jam.
Pro Tips for Linzer Cookie Perfection
- Chill out! Chilling the dough is non-negotiable. It prevents spreading.
- Don't go overboard! Overbaking results in dry, sad cookies.
- Jam session! For the filling, heat raspberry jam (200g) and lemon juice (1tbsp) in a saucepan over low heat. Strain to remove the pips.
Honestly, making your own homemade christmas gifts is just the best. And easy christmas cookies like these are always a win.
Dust those cookies generously with icing sugar, because come on, who doesn't love a snowy christmas feel? Traditional christmas cookies are amazing, but these Linzer cookies bring a little extra sparkle, wouldn't you agree?
Why not include them in your next christmas cookie exchange or use them as christmas cookie decorating ideas to create a stunning display? I guarantee you they'll be a hit!
Recipe Notes for Your Christmas Linzer Cookies
Right, let’s dive into some handy hints for these beauties! I'm sharing my own stories and experiences with the recipe.
Plating Like a Pro: Christmas Cookie Presentation
Honestly, presentation matters . For these Linzer cookies, think snowy elegance! Dust those cutout cookies generously with icing sugar. It gives them a properly christmas feel, you know? Arrange them on a pretty plate, maybe with some fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary.
Serve with a hot cuppa, like a mulled wine or spiced apple cider. It’s all about making them look as good as they taste!
Jammin' Storage Tips
These christmas cookies recipe are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll keep for about 3-4 days, but honestly, they never last that long in my house! If you want to freeze them, do so before filling them with jam.
Just pop the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you're ready to assemble, let them thaw completely and then fill them.
Remixing Your Linzer Cookies
Fancy a twist? How about a vegan christmas cookies version? Just swap out the butter for a vegan butter alternative, and use an egg replacement.
You could try a flax egg – 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
BOOM! Vegan christmas baking ! For a gluten free christmas cookies , try a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Honestly, experiment.
It’s all part of the fun!
Nutritional Nitty-Gritty
Each cookie is around 150 calories. They also pack about 1g of protein, 8g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 10g of sugar.
Of course, that's an estimate! These festive desserts are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation. The almond extract can lower blood pressure, these traditional christmas cookies offer that little boost .
So there you have it! Everything you need to make these easy christmas cookies a success. Don't be afraid to get stuck in and put your own spin on things.
Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is chilling the dough so important for these Christmas Linzer cookies?
Chilling the dough is absolutely crucial! It allows the butter to solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they hold their lovely shapes. Think of it like giving the dough a spa day before the big baking event! Plus, chilled dough is much easier to roll out and handle, less sticky!
Can I make these Christmas cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookie rounds a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can even prepare the jam in advance. Just be sure to assemble the cookies closer to serving to prevent them from getting soggy from the jam. Like any good Christmas present, planning ahead is key!
What if my raspberry jam is too thick or has seeds?
If your raspberry jam is too thick, gently warm it in a saucepan with a tablespoon of lemon juice (as per the recipe) or water until it reaches a smoother consistency. If your jam has seeds despite being labelled "seedless," don't fret! Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after warming to remove them. No one wants a gritty Christmas cookie!
Can I freeze these Linzer Christmas cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked, un-assembled cookie rounds! Make sure they are completely cool. Layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before filling with jam and dusting with icing sugar.
Freezing assembled cookies isn't recommended as the jam can get a little weepy upon thawing.
What are some other filling ideas for these festive cookies?
While raspberry jam is classic, feel free to get creative! Apricot jam, cherry preserves, lemon curd, or even a chocolate hazelnut spread would be delicious. If you're feeling really adventurous, you could even try a homemade cranberry sauce for an extra Christmas-y touch. Get creative and let your taste buds guide you.
Help! My Linzer Christmas cookie dough is crumbly. What did I do wrong?
A crumbly dough usually means there isn't enough moisture or you've overworked the flour. First, check if your butter was too cold, it should be softened, but still cool to the touch. Add a tablespoon of ice water, a teaspoon at a time, and gently mix until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing once the flour is added – mix until just combined.
If all else fails, don't worry they will still taste divine!
