– **Title**: Valentine’s Linzer Cookies
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup almond flour (or ground almonds)
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your preferred jam)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Heart-shaped cookie cutter
– Small heart-shaped cutter (for the center)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Then fold in the almond flour.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the lined baking sheets.
8. For half of the cookies, use a small heart-shaped cutter to cut out the center, creating a window for the filling.
9. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
10. Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of raspberry jam on the uncut cookies, then top with the cookies that have heart-shaped cutouts.
11. Dust the top cookies with powdered sugar just before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Valentine’s Linzer Cookies with someone special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main base for your cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try substituting half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Almond Flour: It adds wonderful flavor and texture. If you need a nut-free option, feel free to use additional all-purpose flour instead.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for the right texture. You can swap it for coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you want a dairy-free version.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and a fine texture. Some prefer using natural sweeteners like powdered erythritol for a low-sugar option.
Raspberry Jam: Raspberry is classic, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other fruit jams like apricot or strawberry. These can change the flavor profile beautifully!
What’s the Best Way to Chill Cookie Dough?
Chilling the dough is an important step that helps firm up the cookies and gives them a better shape when baked. It also enhances flavors.
- After mixing your dough, divide it into two halves. Flatten each half into a disk. This makes it easier to roll out later.
- Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least one hour. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can help!
Enjoy your time baking these delightful treats! Remember, the more you practice, the better your cookies will become.
How to Make Valentine’s Linzer Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your choice of fruit jam)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- Red food coloring (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of active prep time and at least 60 minutes of chilling. After baking, you’ll need time to cool the cookies and whip the cream, so expect approximately 2.5 hours total before you can serve these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. This mixture will provide the cookies with great texture.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Once combined, divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out later.
4. Roll and Cut the Cookies:
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one half of the chilled dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes. Don’t forget to cut a smaller heart shape in the center of half the cookies to create a window effect!
5. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the solid (non-cut-out) cookies. Top with the cookies that have the heart cutout, creating a lovely sandwich.
7. Whip the Cream:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and continue beating until you reach stiff peaks. If you’d like, you can add a few drops of red food coloring and gently mix to create a marbled effect.
8. Finish and Serve:
Pipe or spread the whipped cream on top of the cookies as decoration. Finally, dust your beautiful Linzer cookies with powdered sugar for that extra touch. Serve them up and enjoy your special Valentine’s treat!
Your Valentine’s Linzer Cookies not only taste delightful but also look beautiful, making them perfect for your celebration!
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Yes! If you or someone you are serving has a nut allergy, you can substitute the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or use coconut flour. Just be aware that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you may want to reduce the amount slightly and add a bit more liquid, if necessary.
How Should I Store the Linzer Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, consider refrigerating the cookies, but note that this may change the texture. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper.
Can I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
What Jam Can I Use Instead of Raspberry?
You can use any fruit jam you like! Popular alternatives include strawberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam. Just ensure that the jam is thick enough to spread easily without spilling out of the cookies.
