If you’re looking for a cookie sandwiched with smooth raspberry jam, Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies are simply amazing, perfect for any Thanksgiving dessert table. The classic recipe is explained in simple terms. This is a buttery, festive delight you’re sure to try.
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Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies : A Buttery, Festive Delight
If you’re looking for festive cookies that are nutty, buttery, lightly sweet, and absolutely scrumptious, Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies will quickly become your new holiday favorite.
These are jewelry-standard cookies, crisp, fragrant, and sandwiched with smooth raspberry jam.
They’re perfect for a Christmas cookie box, a Thanksgiving dessert table, or when you, the American home baker, want a simple, classic European treat that’s sure to impress guests.
This article walks you through everything step-by-step, chilling, mixing, cutting, baking, assembling, storing, and troubleshooting. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced baker, this recipe guarantees easy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect Starlit Almond Linzer cookies every time. Let’s get started:
Why Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies Are Loved:
- A classic Austrian flavor created in an American kitchen.
- They’re soft, with a soft, nutty almond flour that bakes into crispy, tender cookies.
- They’re filled with gorgeous star-shaped cutouts, like ornaments filled with jam.
- They’re great for the holidays, gift-giving, and cookie swaps.
- They’re freezer-friendly and super easy to make in advance.
- They’re naturally fragrant, requiring no artificial flavors.
All the ingredients you need:
Ingredients for the dry mix:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Ingredients for the wet mix:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional – but highly recommended
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ingredients for the filling and finishing:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or raspberry jam, pitted and finely chopped
- Powdered sugar for dusting – optional – apricot jam
Step-by-step instructions for making Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies:
1. Preparing the dry mix:
- Use a medium bowl and whisk together the ingredients in the specified quantities:
- almond flour, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- This mixture gives the warmth and nuttiness that gives these signature Linzer cookies their signature flavor. Flavor.
2. Beating the Butter and Sugar
- Use a large bowl or stand mixer and add the ingredients in proportion:
- Granulated sugar
- Softened butter
- Keep mixing for 3 minutes, until light, fluffy, and creamy.
- This step gives the cookies a soft, light texture.
3. Adding the Egg and Extract
- Include:
- Vanilla extract,
- Almond extract, and
- Add the egg and beat.
- All these ingredients create a highly aromatic flavor profile, which is why Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies are so popular.
4. Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Add the prepared dry mixture to the wet mixture.
- Continue mixing on low speed until the dough becomes soft.
- Make sure it’s not sticky, just smooth and fluffy. If your dough is too soft, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour.
5. Divide the dough into pieces and chill them –
- First, divide the dough into two portions.
- Flatten each portion into discs.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Then chill for 1 to 2 hours.
- Remember, chilling is crucial; it prevents the cookies from spreading and helps them form sharp star shapes.
6. Rolling the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, 175°C and have it ready.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disc to 1/8-1/4 inch thick.
- Be careful not to roll too thin, as it can break when folded.
7. Cutting the Cookies
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the perfect base shape.
- Cut a small star-shaped center from each half.
- This will create a hollow cookie on top, with the jam visible underneath.
- Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake Perfectly
- Continue baking for 11 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Cookies with star cutouts bake a little faster, so keep an eye on them.
- Be sure to let them cool completely before assembling, as warm cookies break easily.
9. Preparing the Jam Filling
- Lightly warm the jam in the microwave for 12 to 15 seconds.
- This makes it easier to spread and prevents the cookies from breaking.
10. Assembling the Almond Linzer Stars:
- Spread 1/2 teaspoon of jam over each cookie.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the star-cut cookies.
- Cover the filled cookie with jam and place it on top of the base.
- Press gently to adhere.
- Your Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies are ready to be glazed.
Some great tips for perfect almond lager cookies:
- Bake on parchment paper because it prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
- Be sure to chill the dough because warm dough spreads more and loses its shape; chilled dough is the key to neat edges.
- Use seedless jam because it keeps the filling smooth.
- Almond flour should not be left out; it gives lager cookies their original flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Proper storage: Store in a sealed container for freezing.
Storage and advance-making instructions:
Some great tips for storing Starlit Almond Lager cookies, refrigerator, freezer, and long-term storage:
- Assembled cookies can be stored at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: They stay fresh for 7 to 8 days.
- Freezer: Unfilled cookies can be refrigerated for up to 2 months.
- Once thawed, mix with jam.
Jam Tips: Jam thickens in the refrigerator, so warm them slightly for easier spreading.
Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies, some flavor variations you’ll love:
- Chocolate glass filling is rich and luxurious.
- Apricot Linzer Stars – a classic, warm and fruity.
- Nutella Linzer – a great twist for kids.
- Orange Marmalade Linzer – perfect for citrus lovers.
- Blueberry Jam Filling – very festive and perfect for deep purple.
Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies, some serving ideas:
- These can be served with hot cocoa or coffee.
- Great for a Christmas cookie box.
- Add to a holiday dessert charcuterie board.
- Wrap them as gifts for neighbors or co-workers.
- Use them for Thanksgiving dessert bites.
FAQ:
Q. Can I use almond flour?
Almond flour is coarse and can make cookies grainy, while almond flour gives a wonderful, smooth texture.
Q. Can I make almond Linzer cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour mix.
Also use almond flour for a smoother texture.
Q. Why did Linzer cookies fail when baking?
When your dough isn’t chilled, always chill it for 1 hour before rolling.
Q. What should I use instead of almond extract?
Vanilla extract works well on its own, but almond extract enhances the flavor and tastes great.
Q. Why sprinkle powdered sugar before assembling?
Sprinkling after assembly coats the jam perfectly.
Sprinkling the top first, then the sandwich, makes for a perfect presentation.
Q. How thick should the dough be rolled out?
For a good range, roll out to 1/8 – 1/4 inch because,
thin ones break too quickly, and thick ones don’t crisp up properly.
Q. Can I make Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies without jam?
Yes! Use:
Nutella
Caramel
Lemon Curd
Think Chocolate Ganache
Q. Can I use a different shape?
Yes! Star shapes are festive, but hearts, snowflakes, and spheres also look great.
Final Thoughts
Starlit Almond Linzer Cookies combine buttery richness, almond flavor, warm spices, and vibrant jam to create a truly wonderful cookie that’s both classic and modern. The beautiful star design is perfect for the holidays, but you can make these delicious cookies any time of the month. This recipe is step-by-step, making it easy to make your own American Kitchen Bakery-quality Linzer cookies.