As the holiday season approaches, many people are seeking delightful treats to share with family and friends. Among the most popular options are Linzer cookies, a classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to festive gatherings. These delightful baked goods are simple to prepare, with a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen, making them a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea.
Linzer cookies are not only tasty but also versatile. They can be stored in a sealed container for up to two weeks, maintaining their crisp texture. The cookies shine when served on small plates or in decorative tins, adding a festive touch to any table setting.
Ingredients and Preparation
To create these delectable cookies, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 egg yolks
– 250 grams of flour
– 1 packet of baking powder
– 125 grams of butter at room temperature
– 100 grams of sugar
– 1 packet of vanilla or lemon sugar
– A pinch of salt
– Jam of choice for filling
– Powdered sugar for dusting
The preparation begins by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients first: flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Next, add the butter and mix it in with your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg yolks and knead briefly to form a cohesive dough.
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic or place it in a bag and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the right texture in the final cookies.
After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of approximately three millimeters. Using cookie cutters, shape the dough into circles, and remember to cut a small hole in the center of every other circle. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the cookies for about eight to ten minutes, ensuring they remain light in color and do not overbake. Once they are done, allow them to cool.
Finishing Touches
To finish, dust the cookies with a light coating of powdered sugar. For those with the cut-out center, spread your preferred jam on the solid cookies before sandwiching them together with the ones that have the hole.
Enjoy the rich flavors and delightful textures of these Linzer cookies, perfect for sharing during the festive season. Whether you serve them at parties or gift them in decorative boxes, they are sure to bring joy to all who indulge in them.
