Are you dreaming of delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a burst of summery raspberry flavor? Then look no further! This Raspberry Linzer Cookie recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness. These beautiful cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. They’re easier to make than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious and easy recipes!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup raspberry jam (seedless is preferred)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This is a crucial step for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Make the Cookie Dough:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step, but you can also do it by hand with some elbow grease!
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Assemble and Bake:
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Divide the dough in half. Wrap one half in plastic wrap and refrigerate while you work with the other half. This prevents the dough from becoming too soft.
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters (around 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
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Place half of the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
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Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam onto the center of each cookie.
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Use the remaining dough to cut out more circles. Carefully place these on top of the jam-filled cookies to create the Linzer cookie sandwich. Gently press down to seal.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze (Optional):
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While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until smooth. Add more milk or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
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Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies:
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and ensures perfectly shaped cookies. This is one of the best tips for achieving the ideal texture.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around 10 minutes.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your cookies will be enhanced by using high-quality butter and jam.
- Get creative with cutters: Use different shaped cookie cutters for variety. Stars, hearts, or even simple circles all work wonderfully.
Variations:
- Other fruit fillings: Try using strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam instead of raspberry.
- Spiced cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Linzers: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a rich chocolate twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. The combination of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and sweet raspberry jam is simply irresistible. Enjoy baking and savoring these homemade delicious dishes! They are a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or simply a wonderful healthy meal addition. This easy recipe makes for a perfect homemade cooking project! They're among the best recipes you'll find!