When the weather turns chilly and the holiday season begins to fill the air with festive cheer, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the warm, spicy aroma of Gingerbread Linzer Cookies. These delightful cookies marry the classic taste of gingerbread with the rich, buttery texture of Linzer cookies. Filled with jam or lemon curd, they create a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an ideal treat for the holidays. In this article, we will dive deep into the recipe, its origin, and provide step-by-step instructions for you to recreate these scrumptious cookies in your own kitchen.
What Are Gingerbread Linzer Cookies?
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies are a twist on the traditional Linzer cookie, which originated in Austria. These cookies are made by sandwiching a filling, typically jam or lemon curd, between two cookies. The gingerbread flavor gives these cookies a warm, comforting taste, making them perfect for the holiday season. The cookies are slightly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and they are paired with a variety of sweet fillings, typically raspberry jam or lemon curd. The cookies are then dusted with powdered sugar, creating a stunning visual appeal that is just as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
The Origin of Gingerbread Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are named after the Linzer Torte, an iconic dessert from Austria, specifically from the city of Linz. The Linzer Torte dates back to the 1600s and features a shortcrust pastry filled with jam, often raspberry or apricot, and topped with a lattice pattern. The Linzer cookie version was inspired by this traditional dessert but in a more convenient, bite-sized form. By adding gingerbread spices, these Linzer cookies have taken on a festive twist, perfect for the winter holidays.
While gingerbread cookies themselves have a long history that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, the combination of gingerbread with the Linzer cookie form is a relatively modern development. This fusion brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of gingerbread and the irresistible, buttery richness of Linzer cookies.
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies Ingredients
To make these delicious Gingerbread Linzer Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp ground ginger
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (80 g) molasses (unsulphured)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Filling & Finishing:
- ½ cup (160 g) raspberry jam, cranberry preserves, or lemon curd
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Directions for Preparing Gingerbread Linzer Cookies
1. Make the Dough
The first step in creating your Gingerbread Linzer Cookies is to prepare the dough. Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly mixed.
Next, in a large bowl (or in your stand mixer), cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 2–3 minutes. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix the dough at this stage, as it can affect the texture of the cookies. Once mixed, divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each portion into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour. If you have extra time, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days.
2. Roll & Cut the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. You want the dough to be thin enough that the cookies bake evenly but not so thin that they become fragile.
Use a 2½-inch (6 cm) round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out the base cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to create a window in the center (you can choose any shape, such as a heart, star, or snowflake). These will be the top cookies of the sandwich.
Place all the cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
3. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until they are firm and just beginning to darken around the edges. The cookies should not become overly brown, as you want them to remain soft and tender. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Assemble the Cookies
Once your cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to assemble them. Dust the top window cookies with powdered sugar for that festive, snowy look. Then, spread about ½ teaspoon of your preferred jam or curd on the bottom cookie. Gently place the top cookie over the filling to form a sandwich.
5. Serve & Store
Let your assembled cookies set for about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the filling to firm up slightly. You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for up to 10 days.
Variations on Gingerbread Linzer Cookies
One of the best parts about Gingerbread Linzer Cookies is that they’re highly customizable. Here are a few ideas to add a unique twist to this recipe:
- Jam Flavors: Instead of raspberry jam, you could use other fruit preserves such as spiced pear jam, orange marmalade, or even cranberry preserves. These offer a festive, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices in the cookies.
- Citrus Twist: For an added layer of freshness, mix ½ tsp of finely grated orange zest into the dough. The citrus zest will brighten the flavors and add a new layer of complexity.
- Sugar Variations: For a more intense flavor, substitute dark brown sugar for the regular brown sugar, or experiment with a touch of blackstrap molasses (use sparingly) for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Chocolate Filling: Swap out the jam or lemon curd for a chocolate ganache filling for a rich and indulgent variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gingerbread Linzer Cookies
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes! After dividing the dough into disks and wrapping them in plastic wrap, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before rolling and cutting it.
How can I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much during baking?
Make sure your dough is chilled well before baking. If you find that your cookies are spreading too much, you can chill the cut-out cookies for an additional 15–20 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also check the ingredients in your baking soda and spices to ensure they are gluten-free.
What other fillings can I use besides jam or curd?
You can get creative with the filling! Try chocolate ganache, buttercream frosting, or even Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
Conclusion: Gingerbread Linzer Cookies
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies are the perfect blend of festive spices and buttery goodness, making them an ideal treat for the holiday season. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and variations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy and flavor to your festive celebrations. Give this recipe a try, and let the warm spices and sweet filling take you straight into the holiday spirit!
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Gingerbread Linzer Cookies: A Cozy Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies are a twist on the traditional Linzer cookie, which originated in Austria. These cookies are made by sandwiching a filling, typically jam or lemon curd, between two cookies. The gingerbread flavor gives these cookies a warm, comforting taste, making them perfect for the holiday season. The cookies are slightly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and they are paired with a variety of sweet fillings, typically raspberry jam or lemon curd. The cookies are then dusted with powdered sugar, creating a stunning visual appeal that is just as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
2¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp ground ginger
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (80 g) molasses (unsulphured)
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Filling & Finishing
½ cup (160 g) raspberry jam, cranberry preserves, or lemon curd
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, spices, salt, and baking soda.
In a large bowl (or mixer), cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Roll & Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disk to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
Use a 2½-inch (6 cm) round or fluted cutter for the base cookies.
For half of the cookies, cut a small center shape (heart, star, snowflake, etc.) to make the “window.”
Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing slightly apart.
3. Bake
Bake 8–10 minutes, until firm and just slightly darkened around the edges.
Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
4. Assemble
Dust the top (window) cookies with powdered sugar.
Spread about ½ teaspoon of jam or curd on each bottom cookie.
Gently press a top cookie over each to form sandwiches.
5. Serve & Store
Let them set for 30 minutes before serving.
Store in an airtight container at room temp up to 5 days (or refrigerate up to 10).
Notes
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch, and fill them with raspberry or apricot jam for a beautiful contrast of flavor and color. Perfect for holiday gifting or cozy winter treats!
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Gingerbread sandwich cookies, Holiday Linzer cookies, Festive gingerbread cookies, Gingerbread jam cookies, Holiday spice cookies
