As the holiday season approaches, kitchens all over are filled with delightful aromas, and I can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The sound of dough being rolled out and the sight of powdered sugar dusting freshly baked cookies remind me of joyful gatherings and sweet traditions. This year, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that captures that festive spirit beautifully: Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies.
You might be surprised to learn just how simple it is to create these elegant cookies that look as impressive as they taste! Their buttery texture paired with the bright pop of cherry jam makes them a standout treat at any holiday party. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward process, these cookies are perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners looking to impress. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started—the sweet taste of the holidays awaits!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
- These Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are incredibly easy to make, ensuring that even beginner bakers can whip them up without stress.
- The rich, buttery flavor combined with the tartness of cherry jam creates a delectable treat that is bound to impress.
- Their stunning appearance with delicate cut-outs adds a festive touch to any holiday platter, making them a centerpiece dessert.
- Plus, these cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or paired with a hot beverage, making them perfect for gatherings and cozy nights alike.
Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to create a delightful holiday treat!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – essential for the structure of your Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies.
- Powdered sugar – gives the cookies a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Unsalted butter – use softened butter for a creamy, rich flavor that enhances the cookies.
- Almond extract – adds a warm, nutty essence that perfectly complements the cherry jam.
For the Filling
- Cherry jam – choose a high-quality jam for the best burst of flavor; it's the star of these cookies!
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar – light dusting before serving gives a festive and elegant finish.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup of your delightful cookies.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar in a large bowl until well combined. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a perfect cookie base.
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Cream the softened unsalted butter with almond extract in another bowl until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This will help create a light and airy texture that makes your cookies melt in your mouth.
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Combine the dry mixture with the creamed butter gradually, mixing until just well-combined. You want a soft dough that holds together but is not overly sticky.
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Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out later.
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Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes, ensuring half of them have openings for that classic Linzer look.
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Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden color for the best flavor.
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Spread a generous amount of cherry jam on half of the cookies and sandwich them with the remaining halves. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra festive flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?
Elevate your holiday gathering with perfect pairings that complement these delightful treats!
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of velvety hot chocolate creates a cozy duo with these cookies, perfectly balancing their sweetness.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai add an exotic twist that enhances the nutty almond flavor of the cookies.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy consistency of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the crispy cookie texture, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
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Sweet Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like raspberries and strawberries add a vibrant, tart element to cut through the sweetness of the cookies.
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Dessert Wine: A glass of dessert wine pairs beautifully with the cherry jam, enriching the overall flavor profile of the cookies while providing a touch of elegance.
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Peppermint Bark: This festive treat delivers a satisfying crunch and cool minty flavor that complements the sweet cherry and almond notes beautifully.
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Cinnamon Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices and fruity flavors of apple cider create a rustic pairing that’s perfect for chilly holiday nights.
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Powdered Sugar Dusting: Though optional, an extra sprinkling of powdered sugar on top before serving enhances the festive look and adds a sweet touch that visitors will love.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are perfect for busy holiday bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This chilling step not only enhances the flavors but also ensures the dough is easy to roll out later. Additionally, you can cut out the cookies and freeze them for up to 3 days before baking—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just pop them directly into the oven! Finish by spreading the cherry jam and dusting with powdered sugar right before serving for that fresh-baked touch. Enjoy making your holiday preparations a breeze!
Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cookies and make them truly yours!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a similar texture and flavor.
- Nut-Free: Replace almond extract with vanilla extract and omit any nut toppings to suit nut allergies. They’ll still be deliciously sweet!
- Jam Options: Swap cherry jam for raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot for a fruity twist that changes the flavor profile beautifully.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting spice that enhances the holiday spirit.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or dip half of the cookies in chocolate for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
- Zesty Twist: Infuse the dough with orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors and give your cookies a refreshing hint.
- Fancy Decor: Use royal icing to pipe delicate designs on top for a professional-looking finish that adds a sweet flair.
- Mini Cookie Version: Roll the dough thinner and use a smaller cookie cutter for bite-sized joy—perfect for gatherings or treat bags!
Each of these variations allows you to explore new flavors and textures, making your Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies uniquely yours to share!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their lovely texture while keeping them readily available for a quick sweet treat.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge, where they can last for up to 1 week. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from absorbing any odors.
Freezer: To freeze your Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply pop frozen cookies into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, letting those delightful flavors come alive once again!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming, as this helps achieve a light texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- For neat cookie shapes, use a floured rolling pin and floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Remember to check your cookies at the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as they can turn golden quickly.
Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best cherries for the jam?
Absolutely! When choosing cherries for your jam, look for ones that are plump, firm, and bright in color. If you're using already-made cherry jam, opt for high-quality brands that list cherries as the first ingredient. Avoid jars with added preservatives and artificial flavors for the best taste.
How should I store my Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?
Very! For room temperature storage, keep them in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you'd like to extend their life, the refrigerator is a great option for up to a week. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent moisture and odors from other foods.
Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, layer your cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful flavor and texture.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough sticking to your hands or the surface, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and on your hands. Alternatively, chilling the dough for another 15-30 minutes can also help with stickiness, making it easier to roll out.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Absolutely! If you have allergies, ensure you use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. For those with nut allergies, almond extract can be replaced with vanilla extract for a different yet delightful flavor. As for pets, keep these cookies away from dogs, as the ingredients may not be safe for them.
How can I enhance the flavor of the almond in these cookies?
One wonderful way to elevate the almond flavor is to use almond flour in place of a small portion of the all-purpose flour. I often do this, which adds a lovely nutty depth. Additionally, you can also sprinkle a touch of almond slivers on top of the powdered sugar for extra flair and flavor!
Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar in a large bowl until well combined.
- Cream the softened unsalted butter with almond extract in another bowl until fluffy and pale.
- Combine the dry mixture with the creamed butter gradually, mixing until just well-combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- Spread a generous amount of cherry jam on half of the cookies and sandwich them with the remaining halves.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
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