Image Source from francigonzalezs

Raspberry Linzer Cookies: A Delightful Treat from Stephie Cooks

Baking is a comforting activity that often brings back fond memories, and what better way to celebrate those moments than by creating a batch of scrumptious Raspberry Linzer Cookies? Inspired by the classic Austrian Linzer torte, these delightful cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the palate. Here at Stephie Cooks, we believe in combining traditional recipes with a contemporary twist, and these cookies are a perfect example.

A Bit of History

The Linzer cookie traces its origins back to the city of Linz in Austria, where the Linzer torte dates back to the 17th century. Traditionally made with ground nuts and a sweet jam filling, the torte has inspired an array of baked goods, the most beloved being the Linzer cookie. These delicate, sandwich-style biscuits are typically filled with a fruit preserve, and raspberry is a popular choice due to its tartness, which complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

The Recipe

Here’s how to make these delightful Raspberry Linzer Cookies at home, following Stephie Cooks’ cherished recipe. The process may take a little time, but the end result is well worth the effort.

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Dough:

  • 250g plain flour
  • 100g ground almonds (or hazelnuts)
  • 120g unsalted butter, softened
  • 100g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt

• For the Filling:

  • 200g raspberry jam (or any berry preserve of your choice)
• For Dusting:
  • Icing sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the mixture, creating a tender cookie.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tough finished product.

4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten them into disks, and wrap them in cling film. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight if you have the time. This step helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

5. Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens). Dust your work surface with flour, and roll out one disk of dough to about 5mm thick. Use biscuit cutters to create the cookie shapes—make sure to cut an even number of full cookies, and for half of them, use a smaller cutter to create a window for the jam filling.

6. Bake: Place the cookies on a lined baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from perfect to overbaked.

7. Assemble: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous teaspoon of raspberry jam on the flat side of the full cookies. Top them with the cookies that have the cut-out shapes, gently pressing down to secure them.

8. Finish with a Dusting: To add a classic touch, dust the assembled cookies with icing sugar just before serving.

Enjoying Your Creation

These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a tea party, a festive gathering, or simply a sweet treat for a quiet afternoon. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the satisfying crunch that gives way to a delightful jam-filled centre.

As you indulge in these scrumptious cookies, take a moment to appreciate the joy that baking can bring. With each bite of the buttery, nutty cookie and the tart raspberry jam, you’ll understand why these cookies have been beloved for generations. Happy baking from Stephie Cooks!