Description
These Lingonberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic European treat, featuring buttery, tender almond-scented cookies sandwiched with tart and sweet lingonberry jam. Perfect for festive occasions or as a charming everyday snack, these cookies combine the bright flavors of lemon zest and vanilla with a delicate crumb and a dusting of powdered sugar for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose unbleached organic flour (480 grams)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (280 grams)
- 2/3 cup sugar (140 grams)
- 2 lemons; zested
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 egg yolks
Additional
- 1 cup lingonberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Combine Flour and Butter: In a stand mixer, blend the flour and unsalted butter together until the mixture becomes crumbly. This forms the base texture of your cookie dough.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Gradually add sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and egg yolks into the flour-butter mixture, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth dough.
- Divide and Chill Dough: Split the dough into two equal portions, shaping each into a round ball. Wrap each ball tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to firm up and develop flavors.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once the cookies are shaped.
- Roll Out Dough and Cut Cookies: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out one dough ball to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out cookie bases. Roll out the second dough ball and first cut with the same cookie cutter, then use a smaller cutter to create a cutout in the center to form the cookie tops.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the cookie bottoms and tops on the sheet for baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9 minutes or until the edges turn a very light golden color. If they brown too quickly or burn, reduce the oven temperature or shorten the baking time accordingly.
- Cool and Assemble: Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack. Once fully cooled, spread a small amount of lingonberry jam onto each cookie bottom, then gently press the cookie top with the cutout over it, sandwiching the jam inside.
- Finish with Sugar: Generously sift powdered sugar over the assembled cookies for a classic finishing touch.
- Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Lingonberry jam can be substituted with raspberry or strawberry jam if unavailable.
- For best texture and flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight before baking.
- If your oven runs hot, monitor cookies closely during baking to prevent burning.
- Using unbleached, organic flour enhances the cookie’s texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: Linzer cookies, lingonberry jam cookies, holiday cookies, European cookies, sandwich cookies, lemon zest cookies
