Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously festive treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the nutty richness of almonds, these Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are perfect for you. A classic holiday favorite, Linzer cookies are traditionally made with buttery dough, filled with jam, and topped with powdered sugar. However, our version kicks things up a notch with the incorporation of almond flour for added depth of flavor and a refreshing cherry filling for a fruity twist. Best of all, this recipe skips the typical cut-out "middle lines" in the top cookie, making it simpler while still keeping the essence of a Linzer. Get ready to learn how to create these delightful cookies from scratch—read on for all the delicious details!

What Are Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a variation of traditional Austrian Linzer cookies, which usually have a sandwich structure with a layer of jam between two cookies. Typically, the top cookie has a cut-out shape (often referred to as "middle lines" or “windows”) that allows the vibrant jam filling to peek through. In this version, we eliminate the need for cut-outs, focusing instead on the flavors of almond, cherry, and icing. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are easy to make at home, giving you a delightful combination of buttery, nutty, and fruity flavors with a sweet, decorative icing.

Ingredients List for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

To create these delectable cookies, you'll need a handful of ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here's what you'll need for the dough:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup almond flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (if needed, to adjust dough consistency)

For the Cherry Filling:

• ½ cup cherry jam (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to enhance the flavor of the jam)

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Food coloring (optional, to tint the icing)

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Almond Flour Substitute: If almond flour isn't available, you can use ground hazelnuts or pecans for a similar nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol for a lower-calorie version.
• Other Jams: Don’t love cherries? You can replace the cherry jam with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with a plant-based butter alternative, use a flaxseed egg, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the icing.
• Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, simply replace almond flour with additional all-purpose flour.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

The key to making perfect Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies is following each step carefully. Here’s how you do it:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat for about 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
   • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat again until everything is well incorporated.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
   • Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Once the dough is firm, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out the cookies. You should have an even number of cookies since they will be sandwiched together later.
4. Bake the Cookies:
   • Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
5. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
   • While the cookies are cooling, mix the cherry jam and lemon juice together in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Make the Icing:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. Add food coloring if desired. The icing should be smooth and slightly thick, but still pourable.
7. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Spread about a teaspoon of the cherry filling on the bottom side of half of the cookies.
   • Place a second cookie on top of the filling, sandwiching them together.
   • Drizzle or pipe the prepared icing on top of each cookie sandwich, creating decorative lines or patterns as you wish.
   • Let the icing set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

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

Cooking these cookies isn’t hard, but it does require some time and precision. The essential steps involve preparing the dough, rolling and cutting out the cookies, baking them to perfection, and then assembling with the cherry filling and icing. Be patient with the process—especially when rolling out the dough and assembling the cookies, as they are delicate. Follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll have stunning and delicious Linzer cookies in no time!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can sometimes lead to mistakes. Here are a few common errors to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Skipping the Refrigeration Step: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookie’s shape and preventing it from spreading too much during baking.
• Using Too Much Jam: While it’s tempting to load up the cookies with extra jam, too much filling can cause the cookies to become soggy or leak.
• Icing Before Cookies Are Cool: Always ensure the cookies are completely cooled before icing them, or the icing may melt and slide off.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Linzer cookies are as much a visual treat as they are delicious. When it comes to serving and presenting these beautiful cookies, simplicity is key:

• Serve with Tea or Coffee: These cookies are perfect for a cozy tea or coffee break. Arrange them on a beautiful serving platter and pair with your favorite hot beverage.
• Gift Packaging: These cookies make excellent gifts. Place them in decorative tins or gift boxes lined with parchment paper.
• Festive Arrangement: If serving during the holidays, arrange the cookies on a plate with festive decorations like holly leaves or colorful sprigs.

How to Serve Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Serve these cookies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They are ideal for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as part of a dessert spread. The combination of sweet cherry filling, buttery almond cookies, and icing makes them stand out on any table.

Presentation Ideas for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Holiday-Themed Icing: Add food coloring to the icing for a festive look. Use red, green, or gold colors for a holiday vibe.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of elegance, you can lightly dust the top of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• Layered Cookie Tower: Stack the cookies in a small tower and tie with a ribbon for an eye-catching presentation.

Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for the best consistency in your dough.
• Even Cookie Shapes: To ensure even baking, make sure your cookie dough is rolled out to the same thickness and that your cut-outs are uniform in size.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for several days.

2. Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Absolutely. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use another type of flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that almond flour adds a nutty flavor and unique texture. You can replace it with additional all-purpose flour, but the cookies will lose some of their almond taste.

Conclusion

There you have it—an irresistible recipe for Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are a perfect combination of buttery almond flavor, sweet cherry filling, and decorative icing. Follow our step-by-step guide, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the delicious results. Happy baking!

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