Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Linzer cookies are a holiday favorite and a beautiful blend of delicate, buttery cookies filled with sweet preserves and topped with a touch of icing. This Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies recipe brings a delightful twist to the traditional version by incorporating a rich almond flavor and a sweet cherry filling. Whether you're preparing these for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these cookies will impress. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to ensure your cookies come out perfectly!

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What are Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are a traditional Austrian treat, inspired by the famous Linzer Torte. They consist of two cookies sandwiched together with a fruity filling, typically raspberry jam. What sets them apart is their distinctive cut-out shape on the top cookie, allowing the filling to peek through. In this recipe, we're adding a cherry and almond flavor, making the cookies both visually stunning and delicious. The cherry preserves combined with almond-infused dough create a flavor profile that's nutty, sweet, and irresistibly rich. These Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies take it up a notch with a final drizzle of icing, offering an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients List for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

Dough Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup (100g) salted roasted almonds – Adds a rich, nutty flavor and texture. (If using unsalted, see substitution notes below).
• 2 and ½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled) – Provides the structure for the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and subtle spice.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature – Makes the cookies soft and buttery.
• ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough without overpowering the almond flavor.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Infuses the cookies with a sweet, aromatic vanilla flavor.
• ¾ teaspoon almond extract – Elevates the almond flavor, complementing the roasted almonds.

Filling & Topping Ingredients:

• ½ cup (160g) cherry preserves – Adds a sweet, tart filling to the cookies. You can substitute with your favorite jam if desired (see substitutions below).
• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar – For the icing that drizzles over the cookies.
• 1–2 Tablespoons whole milk – Helps thin the icing to the perfect consistency.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract or pure vanilla extract (or ¼ teaspoon each) – Enhances the flavor of the icing, making it a perfect match for the cookies.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

• Unsalted Roasted Almonds: If you only have unsalted almonds on hand, no worries! Simply add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dough mixture to compensate for the lack of salt in the nuts.
• Different Preserves: Don’t have cherry preserves? You can substitute with raspberry, apricot, or any other fruit preserves that you enjoy. The flavor combinations are endless!
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version of this recipe, substitute the butter with your favorite plant-based butter, and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk for the icing.

Variations:

• Spiced Linzer Cookies: If you enjoy a more pronounced spice flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent twist, melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies instead of (or in addition to) the icing.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Toast the Almonds: Begin by toasting the almonds in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Allow them to cool before finely grinding them in a food processor.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the discs of dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
3. Cut Out the Cookies: Using a round cookie cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter), cut out as many circles as possible. Then, use a smaller cutter to create a hole in the center of half of the circles. These will be the top cookies.
4. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely.

Step 3: Fill and Ice the Cookies

1. Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of cherry preserves onto the solid bottom cookies. Top with the cookies that have the cut-out centers.
2. Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
3. Drizzle the Icing: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the icing over the top cookies. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough is essential for firm, easy-to-handle dough. If the dough is too warm, the cookies will spread too much during baking.
• Using Too Much Flour: When rolling out the dough, use just enough flour to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make the cookies dry.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies:

Serve these cookies as a dessert or snack with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. They're a delightful treat for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or any time you want to impress guests with a beautiful and tasty cookie.

Presentation Ideas for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies:

For a stunning presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter. You can sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies before serving for an extra touch of elegance. These cookies also look lovely when placed in a gift box lined with parchment paper, making them a perfect homemade gift.

Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Storage: Store the filled and iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Icing Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, add more confectioners' sugar to achieve the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different nut besides almonds?
A: Yes, you can substitute the almonds with other nuts like hazelnuts or pecans, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. However, results may vary depending on the brand you use.

Q: How long will these cookies stay fresh?
A: These cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Conclusion

Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors wrapped up in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. With their delicate cut-out design, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Follow the recipe step by step, experiment with variations, and enjoy every bite!

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