Cranberry Linzer Cookies

Delight in these festive Cranberry Linzer Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift. With their buttery almond flavor and tart cranberry filling, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Their delicate shapes and powdered sugar dusting make them an appealing addition to any dessert table, ensuring they will be a hit at your next celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of buttery almond cookie and tart cranberry jam creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of the season.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make excellent gifts, beautifully packaged to share with friends and family during the holidays.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out the cranberry jam for any fruit jam you prefer, allowing you to tailor this recipe to your taste.
• Fun to Decorate: The cut-out design allows for creative decorating options, making it a fun activity for all ages.
• Make Ahead Option: The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated, making holiday baking more manageable.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Cranberry Linzer Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Gather everything before you start to streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even dough thickness, crucial for perfectly shaped cookies.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess and maintaining texture.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)

For the Filling

• ¾ cup cranberry jam (or your favorite fruit jam)

For Dusting

• Powdered sugar

Pin

How to Make Cranberry Linzer Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder until combined.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well mixed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the ground almonds until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
2. Flatten each portion into discs and wrap in plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for easier rolling.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thick.
2. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough.
3. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to create a hole in the center.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the cookies on prepared baking sheets.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
3. Allow cooling on sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

1. Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of cranberry jam on solid cookies.
2. Top with cut-out cookies to create sandwiches.
3. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra festive touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your beautiful Cranberry Linzer Cookies on a platter and enjoy their delightful flavors!

How to Serve Cranberry Linzer Cookies

Cranberry Linzer Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect treat for any festive occasion. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve these delightful cookies to impress your guests.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Platter Display: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with seasonal decorations like pinecones or holly.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Present them as layered sandwiches with varying flavors of jam for a colorful assortment.

As Sweet Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Place the cookies in beautiful gift boxes lined with wax paper. Tie them with a ribbon for a personal touch.
• Decorative Bags: Use clear cellophane bags tied with festive twine to create charming party favors.

With Beverages

• Tea Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of herbal tea, which complements the tartness of the cranberry jam.
• Coffee Accompaniment: Offer with freshly brewed coffee; the rich flavors will enhance the cookie’s sweetness.

How to Perfect Cranberry Linzer Cookies

Achieving the perfect Cranberry Linzer Cookies involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your cookie-making skills.

• Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality butter and fresh almond flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Chilling Technique: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain shape during baking and enhances flavor.
• Jam Selection: Choose tart cranberry jam or a quality fruit preserve for an excellent filling that balances sweetness.
• Baking Time Awareness: Keep an eye on baking times, as ovens may vary; aim for lightly golden edges for best results.
• Dusting Finish: Add powdered sugar right before serving to keep it looking fresh and inviting.

Pin

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Linzer Cookies

Cranberry Linzer Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet, tart flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or Gouda enhances the cookie’s sweetness while adding savory depth.
2. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with berries and citrus can balance the richness of the cookies.
3. Hot Chocolate: Serve warm hot chocolate as a comforting drink alongside these festive treats.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cranberry filling.
5. Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts offers a crunchy, savory bite that pairs well with sweet cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a refreshing side that complements dessert flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cranberry Linzer Cookies, it’s easy to stumble upon common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for perfect cookies every time:

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to overly sticky dough that doesn’t hold its shape. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
• Using too much flour: Adding extra flour while rolling out can make the cookies dry and tough. Measure flour accurately and use minimal flour on your surface.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking for too long can result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them once the edges are lightly golden.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can affect texture. Ensure butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
• Skipping the powdered sugar dusting: Forgetting this final touch misses out on visual appeal and sweetness. Always dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Linzer Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Cranberry Linzer Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a couple of minutes.

Pin

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cranberry Linzer Cookies special?

Cranberry Linzer Cookies stand out due to their unique blend of flavors, combining buttery almond dough with tart cranberry jam, making them a festive treat.

How can I customize my Cranberry Linzer Cookies?

You can substitute the cranberry jam with raspberry or apricot jam for different flavors. Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can also enhance the taste.

Can I make Cranberry Linzer Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of these delightful cookies.

How do I ensure my Cranberry Linzer Cookies are soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking. Remove them from the oven when they just start to brown around the edges.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Linzer Cookies are not only beautiful but also versatile treats that bring joy during holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts. Feel free to customize them with your favorite jams or spices, ensuring they suit your taste perfectly!