Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts are a delightful treat, offering a perfect balance of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a sweet, tart raspberry jam filling, all finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. These delightful little sandwich cookies are perfect for the holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to indulge in a sweet, sophisticated treat. The combination of almond flavor and the vibrant raspberry jam creates a flavor experience that’s hard to beat.
What Are Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts?
Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts are essentially a variation of the classic Linzer cookies, which originate from Austria. The name “Linzer” comes from Linz, a city in Austria where this delicious dessert is said to have originated. These cookies are traditionally made with a spiced dough filled with fruit preserves, and the addition of a top cookie with a small cutout creates the signature look of the Linzer Tart. The “snowball” twist on this recipe adds a generous dusting of powdered sugar, giving them a festive, snowy appearance—perfect for holiday baking!
The dough for these cookies is tender and buttery, while the raspberry filling provides a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness. The addition of ground almonds (or almond flour) enhances the flavor, giving the tarts a delicious nutty undertone that pairs wonderfully with the raspberry jam.
Origin of Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts
As mentioned, the Linzer Tart originated in Austria, specifically in the city of Linz, and dates back to at least the 17th century. The original Linzer Tart was a fruit-filled pastry made with a lattice design, often filled with red currant jam. Over time, the cookie version became popular, with a similar almond-based dough and a fruit jam filling, typically raspberry, apricot, or red currant.
The “snowball” version of the Linzer Tart is a modern twist, which involves the addition of powdered sugar for a festive finish. This variation not only makes the cookies look beautiful but also adds a delightful sweetness that complements the tart jam filling.
Ingredients for Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts
This recipe makes approximately 20 sandwich cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying yourself. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional but classic for Linzer flavor)
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) finely ground blanched almonds or almond flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling:
- ¾ cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, brightens the flavor)
For the “Snowball” Finish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by making the dough for your tarts. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This will create a smooth base for your dough. Next, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix everything together until well combined.
Once the wet ingredients are fully incorporated, gradually add in the flour, ground almonds, and salt. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the dough. Once the dough comes together, form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is essential, as it helps to prevent spreading during baking and ensures the cookies maintain their shape.
Step 2: Roll & Cut the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛–¼ inch thickness. Using a 2–2½ inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as you can from the dough. For half of the cookies, cut a small window in the center (this can be a heart, star, or circle shape, depending on your preference).
Place all the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want them to remain light in color. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the cookies cool, prepare the raspberry filling. Slightly warm the raspberry jam in a small saucepan over low heat to make it easier to spread. If you’d like, mix in lemon juice for a slight tang that will balance the sweetness of the jam.
Step 5: Assemble the Tarts
Once the cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to assemble the tarts. Take the top cookies (the ones with the cut-out center) and generously dust them with powdered sugar. Then, spread 1–2 teaspoons of raspberry jam on each bottom cookie (the solid ones). Gently place the sugared top cookies over the jam, creating a sandwich.
These Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts are now ready to enjoy!
Variations of Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts
While raspberry jam is the classic filling for Linzer Tarts, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations to try:
- Other Fruit Jams: Swap out the raspberry jam for other fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry.
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of almonds, you can substitute with ground hazelnuts or walnuts for a slightly different flavor.
- Chocolate: For a decadent twist, add a layer of melted chocolate between the jam and the cookie for a more indulgent treat.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced variation that works beautifully with the fruit filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! These tarts can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two. You can also freeze them (either assembled or unassembled) for up to a month.
Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry is traditional, you can substitute with any fruit jam of your choice. Just make sure it’s not too runny, or it might spill out of the cookie when you bite into it.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is crucial because it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Without chilling, the cookies might spread too much and lose their delicate structure.
How do I store Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well, either assembled or unassembled, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy holiday seasons.
Conclusion: Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts
These Snowball Raspberry Linzer Tarts are the perfect combination of buttery, tender cookies and sweet, tangy raspberry jam. With their festive snowball-like appearance, they are sure to impress at any holiday gathering or special occasion. Whether you stick with the classic raspberry filling or experiment with different jams and flavors, these tarts are bound to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or keep a batch stashed away for whenever you need a little treat. Happy baking!
