Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

cherry almond linzer cookies

Looking for a cookie that perfectly balances buttery almond richness with sweet-tart cherry flavor? These Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are the answer to your baking dreams. These elegant sandwich cookies feature a tender almond-spiced dough filled with vibrant cherry jam, creating a beautiful contrast that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

I’ve perfected this recipe over years of baking, and I can confidently say these cookies will become your new favorite treat for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress guests with something truly special.

What are “Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies”?

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a delightful variation of the classic Austrian Linzer Torte, transformed into elegant individual sandwich cookies. These treats feature a buttery, almond-scented dough that’s rolled thin and cut into rounds, with half the cookies featuring decorative cut-out centers.

The magic happens when you sandwich them together with luscious cherry jam, allowing the ruby-red filling to peek through the cut-out windows. The combination of ground almonds in the dough and cherry jam creates a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and refined.

These cookies are perfect for tea parties, holiday cookie exchanges, or any time you want to elevate your baking game with something that looks professionally made but is surprisingly achievable at home.

Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely ground almonds (almond flour)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons cold water (if needed)

For Assembly:

  • ¾ cup high-quality cherry jam or preserves
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to thin jam)

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

Creating these beautiful cookies involves several steps, but each one is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, powdered sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
  • This dry mixture creates the foundation of flavor, so make sure everything is evenly distributed.
  • The combination of spices gives these cookies their distinctive warmth and complexity.

2. Cream the Butter:

  • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Proper creaming is crucial for tender cookies, so don’t rush this step.
  • Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.
  • If the dough seems too dry and crumbly, add cold water one tablespoon at a time.
  • The dough should hold together when pressed but not be sticky.
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4. Chill the Dough:

  • Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disk.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Chilled dough is much easier to roll and cut, preventing spreading during baking.

5. Roll and Cut the Cookies:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Roll one disk of dough between parchment papers to ⅛-inch thickness.
  • Cut out rounds using a 2½-inch cookie cutter for the bottom cookies.
  • For the top cookies, cut the same size rounds, then use a smaller 1-inch cutter to create the center holes.

6. Bake the Cookies:

  • Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden.
  • The cookies should be set but not browned; they’ll continue cooking slightly on the hot pan.
  • Cool completely on the baking sheets before handling.

7. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

  • If your cherry jam is very thick, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice to make it spreadable.
  • Strain the jam if you prefer a smoother filling without fruit pieces.
  • The jam should be thick enough to stay put but spreadable enough to work with easily.

8. Assemble the Cookies:

  • Spread about 1 teaspoon of cherry jam on each bottom cookie, leaving a small border.
  • Gently place the cut-out top cookies over the jam-covered bottoms.
  • Press very lightly to adhere, being careful not to squeeze out the filling.
  • Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.

Substitutions and Variations

I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs. Here are some variations that work beautifully with this recipe:

  • Jam Varieties: Try raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam for different flavor profiles, or mix cherry with a touch of vanilla for extra richness.
  • Nut Alternatives: Substitute ground hazelnuts or pecans for almonds, adjusting the extract accordingly.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spice Variations: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg, or use orange zest instead of some spices for a citrusy twist.
  • Chocolate Version: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate almond linzer cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After making these cookies countless times, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Rolling Too Thick: Thick cookies won’t have the delicate texture that makes linzer cookies special. Aim for ⅛-inch thickness consistently.
  • Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies. The dough should come together without being overworked.
  • Skipping the Chill Time: Warm dough spreads during baking and is difficult to handle. Always chill for at least 2 hours.
  • Using Low-Quality Jam: The jam is a starring ingredient, so choose a high-quality preserve with good fruit content and flavor.
  • Assembling Too Early: Make sure cookies are completely cool before adding jam, or the heat will make the jam run.
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How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

These elegant cookies are perfect for various occasions and serving styles. I love serving them at afternoon tea parties alongside delicate finger sandwiches and scones. They’re also wonderful as an after-dinner treat with coffee or dessert wine.

For special occasions, arrange them on a tiered serving stand or elegant platter. The contrast between the golden cookies and ruby-red jam makes them naturally beautiful for presentation.

During holidays, these cookies make thoughtful gifts when packed in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. They travel well and always impress recipients with their homemade charm and sophisticated appearance.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

To make your Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies look as professional as they taste, consider these presentation techniques:

  • Elegant Dusting: Use a paper doily as a stencil when dusting with powdered sugar to create beautiful patterns around the cookies.
  • Color Contrast: Arrange cookies on dark plates or serving trays to make the jam centers pop visually.
  • Garnish Touch: Place a few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers nearby for an upscale bakery appearance.
  • Layered Display: Use cake pedestals of different heights to create visual interest when serving multiple dozen cookies.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

Here are my insider tips for achieving bakery-quality results every time:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for proper mixing and texture.
  • Consistent Thickness: Use rolling pin guides or rubber bands to maintain even ⅛-inch thickness across all dough.
  • Sharp Cookie Cutters: Clean, sharp cutters create crisp edges that make the finished cookies look professional.
  • Jam Consistency: If your jam is too thin, simmer it briefly to reduce excess moisture before using.
  • Storage Strategy: Store unfilled cookies separately from filled ones to maintain the best texture for each component.
  • Temperature Control: Keep your kitchen cool while working with the dough, especially during humid weather.

How to Store Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

Proper storage ensures your beautiful cookies maintain their texture and flavor. Store unfilled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Once assembled with jam, these cookies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store them in a single layer in airtight containers, as the jam can soften the cookies over time. If you need to stack them, use parchment paper between layers.

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For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them carefully in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw completely before filling and serving. I don’t recommend freezing assembled cookies, as the jam can create texture issues when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough actually improves with overnight chilling and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling.

Q: Why are my cookies spreading during baking?
A: This usually means the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or your kitchen is too warm. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours and keep the kitchen cool while working.

Q: Can I use store-bought almond flour instead of grinding my own?
A: Yes, store-bought almond flour works perfectly. Just make sure it’s finely ground rather than almond meal, which is coarser and can affect the texture.

Q: How do I prevent the jam from making the cookies soggy?
A: Use thick, high-quality jam and don’t assemble the cookies more than a few hours before serving. You can also brush the bottom cookies with melted white chocolate to create a barrier.

Q: Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
A: Certainly! Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies may need 10-12 minutes, while larger cookies might need 15-18 minutes.

Q: What’s the best way to get clean cut-outs in the center?
A: Make sure your small cookie cutter is sharp and the dough is properly chilled. Dip the cutter in flour between cuts to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies represent the perfect marriage of traditional European baking techniques with accessible home kitchen methods. These elegant sandwich cookies showcase how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular when combined with proper technique and attention to detail.

I’ve found that making these cookies brings immense satisfaction, from the meditative process of rolling and cutting the dough to the joy of seeing the beautiful jam centers revealed through the cut-out tops. They’re impressive enough for special occasions yet comforting enough for everyday treats.

The combination of buttery almond dough and bright cherry jam creates a flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults, making them perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or anytime you want to create something memorable in your kitchen.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your cookie-making journey, these Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies will quickly become a treasured recipe in your collection. Take your time with each step, enjoy the process, and prepare to be amazed by the beautiful, delicious results. Happy baking!

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