As Christmas draws near, I’m gearing up for some Christmas cookies. Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with their spicy-sweet personality and festive cutout windows are my pick.
Contents
Gingerbread Linzer Cookie Recipe
Gingerbread Linzer cookies are a delightful variation of the traditional Linzer cookies, incorporating the warm and spiced flavors of gingerbread. Originating from Austria, traditional Linzer cookies are made from a shortbread-like dough that typically includes ground nuts and features a jam filling.
The gingerbread variant incorporates warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, along with molasses, providing a rich flavor profile that is especially popular during the holiday season.
These cookies are characterized by their crumbly texture and festive appearance, often dusted with powdered sugar. The combination of the spicy gingerbread flavor with the sweet jam or cream filling makes them a unique treat that stands out during holiday gatherings. Here is how to make Gingerbread Linzer Cookies:
Shortbread Gingerbread Linzer Cookies
Equipment
- Linzer cookie cutter (choose different shapes you like)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup fruit jam apricot, raspberry, or your choice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and ground almonds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a Linzer cookie cutter to cut out the bases and then cut out the centers of half of them.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Spread a thin layer of fruit jam on the solid cookie bases.
- Press the cut-out cookies on top of the bases with preserves to create a sandwich.
- Dust the Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with powdered sugar.
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to store
Depending on the type of fillings, you can store Linzer cookies in different ways.
1. Room Temperature Storage (2-3 days): Best for store-bought jams and lemon curd fillings.
2. Refrigerator Storage (up to 1 week): Best for fresh fruit jams and homemade curds
3. Freezer Storage: Best for long-term preservation (up to 3 months)
4. Essential Storage Tips:
- Cool completely before storing
- Avoid stacking cookies
- Use containers with tight seals
- Label with storage date
Variations
1. Filling Options: Popular fillings for these cookies include fruit jams like:
- Raspberry or strawberry
- Dulce de leche
- Chocolate ganache, or fudge
- Apricot preserve
- Black currant filling with star anise accent
- Salted caramel filling
- Spiced apple butter
2. Spice Variations: Traditional recipes often use ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, but adding nutmeg or cloves can create extra warmth and a deeper flavor.
3. Dietary Versions
Special dietary considerations require thoughtful adaptations:
| Diet Type | Key Substitutions | Texture Impact |
| Gluten-Free | Alternative flour blend | Slightly more delicate |
| Vegan | Flax eggs, plant butter | Equally tender |
| Sugar-Free | Natural sweeteners | Varied moisture levels |
How to pair
1. Drink Pairings
- Hot Chocolate: The warm, creamy flavor of hot chocolate goes perfectly with the spiced notes in gingerbread.
- Mulled Wine: Both the cookies and mulled wine have similar spices, making for a balanced and festive pairing.
- Coffee or Tea: A cup of coffee or spiced tea highlights the cookies’ flavors, adding a cozy touch.
2. Dessert Platters: These cookies are a great addition to holiday platters, pairing well with treats like peppermint bark, fruitcake, or pastries.
3. Cheese Boards: The sweet spiciness of gingerbread contrasts nicely with savory cheeses, like aged cheddar or brie, on a cheese board.