Quick Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe with Few Ingredients

Quick Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies: Irresistibly Buttery & Jam-Filled Delights �🥄✨

1. Introduction

These quick cherry almond linzer cookies are the perfect blend of nutty, buttery, and sweet flavors, with a luscious cherry jam center that oozes with every bite. Requiring just a handful of pantry staples, this simple linzer cookie recipe delivers bakery-quality results that will make you feel like a professional pastry chef. Whether you’re a baking novice looking for an easy cookie recipe or a seasoned pro wanting to whip up something special, these easy linzer cookies will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Originating from Austria, Linzer cookies are a classic holiday treat, but our simplified version makes them accessible year-round. The combination of almond flour and cherry jam creates a flavor harmony that’s simply irresistible. If you love homemade snacks that look impressive but are secretly easy to make, this recipe is for you!

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (the foundation of our cookie dough)
• 1 cup almond flour (for that distinctive nutty flavor and tender texture)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (just enough sweetness to balance the tart jam)
• ½ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds warm notes)
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (creates that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for aromatic depth)
• ½ cup cherry jam (or any preferred jam – quality matters here!)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (that beautiful snowy finish)

If you’re looking for more recipes with simple ingredients, check out our ricotta stuffed shells or baked ziti for savory inspiration.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This crucial first step ensures even distribution of flavors in your cherry almond cookies. The almond flour adds a wonderful nuttiness and tender texture that sets these apart from regular sugar cookies. For more baking inspiration, try our classic banana bread which also uses simple ingredients.

Step 2: Incorporate Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The dough should hold together when pressed – this is when you know you’ve achieved the perfect consistency. The cold butter is key to creating that desirable flaky texture. If you enjoy working with butter-based doughs, you might love our simple apple cake recipe too.

Step 3: Roll & Cut Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-2.5 inches) to cut out cookies, and a smaller cutter (or even a bottle cap) to create centers for half of them. These will become the “windows” to show off the beautiful jam filling. For more creative baking ideas, check out our pumpkin spice cupcakes.

Step 4: Bake & Assemble

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges – they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Let cool completely on a wire rack. This patience pays off! Spread about ½ teaspoon of cherry jam on the solid cookies, then gently press the cut-out cookies on top. The final touch? A generous dusting of powdered sugar through a fine mesh sieve for that classic Linzer look. For another elegant dessert option, try our chocolate chia pudding.

4. Tips for Perfect Cookies

After testing this recipe numerous times, here are my professional tips for cookie perfection:

• Keep ingredients cold: This ensures flakier texture – I even chill my mixing bowl sometimes!
• Chill dough if needed: If your kitchen is warm and the dough feels too soft, chill for 30 minutes before rolling
• Jam quality matters: Splurge on good quality cherry jam – it makes all the difference in flavor
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 5 days
• Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for maximum visual impact

For more cooking tips and tricks, our ditalini sausage pasta recipe has some great kitchen hacks too.

5. Variations

While the classic cherry almond combination is divine, here are some delicious ways to mix it up:

• Nut variations: Substitute almond flour with hazelnut or pecan flour for different flavor profiles
• Jam alternatives: Raspberry, apricot, or even blackberry jam work wonderfully
• Citrus twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for brightness
• Chocolate lovers: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or sandwich with chocolate spread
• Holiday special: Use festive shaped cutters (hearts for Valentine’s, trees for Christmas)

For more recipe variation ideas, check out this detailed Linzer cookie guide from our friends at Sally’s Baking Addiction.

6. Serving Suggestions

These quick cherry almond linzer cookies are versatile enough for any occasion:

• Afternoon tea: Pair with Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a sophisticated treat
• Cookie platters: Combine with other holiday cookies for an impressive spread
• Dessert upgrade: Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Edible gifts: Package in decorative boxes or tins – they travel well!
• Brunch addition: Surprise guests with these alongside coffee

7. Nutritional Information

(Per cookie, based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: 150 (a perfect little indulgence)
• Fat: 9g (mostly from the healthy almond flour)
• Carbs: 16g (balanced with protein and fiber)
• Protein: 2g (thanks to the almond flour)
• Sugar: 8g (could be reduced with sugar-free jam)

While these are definitely a treat, the almond flour provides some nutritional benefits like vitamin E and healthy fats. For a healthier dessert option, try our chocolate peanut butter cake made with wholesome ingredients.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. The almond flour already makes these naturally lower in gluten.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll maintain quality for 5-7 days. The jam acts as a natural preservative!

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! You can freeze the rolled dough between parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before cutting and baking.

My cookies spread too much – what went wrong?

This usually means your butter was too warm. Next time, make sure all ingredients are cold, and consider chilling the cut cookies for 10 minutes before baking.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of jam?

While fresh cherries sound lovely, they contain too much moisture. If you want to use fresh fruit, make a quick compote by cooking chopped cherries with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken.

9. Conclusion

This quick cherry almond linzer cookies recipe proves that impressive desserts don’t require complicated techniques or lengthy ingredient lists. With their delicate almond flavor, buttery texture, and sweet-tart cherry filling, these easy linzer cookies are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. The simple preparation makes them perfect for last-minute baking sessions, while their elegant appearance makes them suitable for any occasion – from casual coffee dates to fancy holiday parties.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Once you master the basic technique, you can create endless variations to suit your mood or the season. They’re the perfect project for baking with kids (who love cutting out the shapes) or for gifting to friends and neighbors. The cookies transport beautifully and always earn compliments.

Whether you’re continuing a holiday tradition or starting a new one, these cherry almond cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Their classic beauty and irresistible flavor combination make them truly special, yet the simplicity of the recipe means you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes. Happy baking!

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