Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 0.25 teaspoon salt
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.1 cup unsalted butter, 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- Beat in the large egg until well combined, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 0.25 teaspoon almond extract
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. The dough will be soft.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days). Chilling makes the dough easier to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Using your favorite Linzer cookie cutters (traditional ones have a solid top and bottom, while others have a cut-out middle for the jam to show through), cut out shapes. You’ll need an equal number of solid tops and bottoms (or tops with cut-outs). Re-roll scraps as needed, but try to handle the dough as little as possible to keep the cookies tender.2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still be soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of your chosen jam or preserves onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with a corresponding cookie, either solid or with a cut-out, to create a sandwich. If using solid tops, you can dust them with confectioners' sugar before assembling for an extra touch of elegance.0.5 cup jam or preserves, confectioners' sugar
- Arrange the assembled Soft Sweet Linzer Cookies on a platter and serve, or proceed to storing them.
Notes
To keep your Soft Sweet Linzer Cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once assembled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep them longer or prefer to make them in advance, they can be frozen.