Strawberry Linzer Cookies

Tessa here of Tessa Lindow Huff Cake Design.  I am so excited to share this cute, delicious recipe for Strawberry Linzer Cookies.  Also known as Linzer Sables, this traditional German cookie is a take on the Austrian Linzer Torte.  I personally love how this classic can still be fun and whimsical in today’s modern age.  Although it may seem slightly complex with the multiple steps and layers of flavors, this recipe is quite simple.

Strawberry Linzer Cookies

You’ll Need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup confectioners sugar + more for dusting
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup strawberry jam

Directions:

1) Sift dry ingredients, and set aside.

2) With an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugars until creamy (about 3 minutes).

3) Add in the egg and extracts.

4) With the mixer on low, gradually add in the dry ingredients until dough comes together.

5) Divide dough in two, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate (at least 1 hour).

6) When ready to continue, preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Dust work surface with flour.  Line baking pans with parchment paper.

7) Working with one half of the dough at a time, roll dough to 1/8″ thick.

8) Using flutter cookie cutters, cut dough.  For half of the cookies, use a mini heart cutter to remove the centers.

9) Transfer the cookies to a cookie sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until slightly browned.

10) Remove and cool on a wire rack

11) Once cool, spread jam on the bottom half of the whole cookies.  Sandwich with the top layer.  Sift confectioners sugar over top of each cookie.

The spice of these cookies reminds me of autumn, while the heart cut-outs are prefect for Valentine’s Day.  Linzers are also a tradition at Christmas, making these cookies a perfect treat all year long!  Feel free to substitute raspberry or other preserves, like apricot, for the strawberry jam.  What flavor would you try?

For a cute, whimsical packaging idea, mix coordinating patterns and colors and use cookie tins to keep treats fresh.  I love this red polka dot printed parchment that matches my favorite baker’s twine!