Cranberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of almond cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply as a special snack, these cookies have a unique texture and flavor profile that will impress your guests. With a soft and crumbly base and a luscious cranberry jam filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of almond flour and dried cranberries creates a deliciously rich taste.
- Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or just because—you can enjoy these cookies all year round!
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, ensuring you won’t have to hunt for anything special.
- Fun to Make: The process of cutting out shapes and assembling the cookies is enjoyable for bakers of all ages.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make beautiful additions to cookie boxes or as homemade gifts.
Tools and Preparation
To ensure your Cranberry Linzer Cookies turn out perfectly, you’ll need some essential tools. Gather these before you begin baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: Helps you roll the dough evenly to achieve consistent cookie thickness.
- Cookie cutters: Allow you to create fun shapes that make these cookies visually appealing.
- Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for baking multiple trays of cookies at once.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Ingredients
Soft and crumbly almond cookies flecked with dried cranberries with cranberry jam sandwiched in the middle.
For the Cranberry Jam Filling
- 300 g cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 150 g water
For the Cookie Dough
- 380 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 230 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 50 g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 g dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make Cranberry Linzer Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Jam
- In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, 150 g granulated sugar, and 150 g water.
- Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and thicken into a jam-like consistency. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 230 g softened butter, 100 g granulated sugar, and 50 g brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together 380 g all-purpose flour, 100 g almond flour, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in 100 g finely chopped dried cranberries.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a disk.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or until firm.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes; place half on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- For half of those shapes, use smaller cookie cutters to create windows in the center.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cooling on wire racks before assembling.
Step 6: Assemble Cookies
- Spread cranberry jam on one cookie without a window; top with another cookie that has a window cutout.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Linzer Cookies! They are truly a festive delight perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Cranberry Linzer Cookies
Cranberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests and enhance their flavor.
With a Cup of Tea
- Pairing cranberry linzer cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea can create a comforting experience. The sweetness of the cookies complements the soothing flavors of the tea beautifully.
On a Festive Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, adding some fresh cranberries and mint leaves for color. This presentation makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or dessert tables.
As an Afternoon Snack
- Enjoy cranberry linzer cookies as a midday snack with a glass of milk or almond milk. This combination provides a satisfying boost of energy.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm cranberry linzer cookies alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The melting ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the crumbly cookie texture.
How to Perfect Cranberry Linzer Cookies
To ensure your cranberry linzer cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before use. This helps the dough mix more evenly and creates a softer cookie.
Chill the dough: After mixing, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents spreading during baking, resulting in better-shaped cookies.
Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacting flour in your measuring cup. This ensures you have the right amount for the perfect texture.
Choose quality jam: Using homemade or high-quality cranberry jam enhances flavor significantly. Look for options that have minimal added sugars and natural ingredients.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Linzer Cookies
Cranberry linzer cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent choices:
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your dessert table and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy brie to contrast with the sweetness of the cranberry linzer cookies, creating an exciting flavor combination.
Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with strawberries, bananas, or marshmallows invites guests to dip and enjoy alongside their cookies for a fun dessert experience.
Nut Mix: A bowl of roasted nuts offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cranberry linzer cookies, adding variety to your snack table.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served as a dip or dolloped on top of each cookie for added richness and creaminess.
Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced chai or ginger tea not only warms you up but also complements the flavors of cranberries and almonds perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Cranberry Linzer Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Using Frozen Cranberries Without Thawing – If you use frozen cranberries directly, they may release too much water. Always thaw and drain them before use.
- Not Chilling the Dough – Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Ignoring Ingredient Temperature – Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Make sure butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature.
- Overmixing the Dough – Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and crumbly.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately – Inaccurate measurements can throw off the entire recipe. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to one week.
Freezing Cranberry Linzer Cookies
- Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
- Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Reheating Cranberry Linzer Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Cranberry Linzer Cookies?
To make Cranberry Linzer Cookies, you’ll combine almond flour, butter, sugars, eggs, and dried cranberries into a dough, chill it, roll it out, and cut it into shapes before baking.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes! You can use fresh cranberries but make sure to chop them finely and adjust sugar levels since they are more tart.
What is the best way to store Cranberry Linzer Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I customize my Cranberry Linzer Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add different nuts or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. Feel free to experiment with various jam fillings as well.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Linzer Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their soft and crumbly texture paired with sweet cranberry jam, they are perfect for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite jams or nuts to make them uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how delightful these cookies are!
Cranberry Linzer Cookies
Cranberry Linzer Cookies are a delightful blend of soft, crumbly almond cookies and tart cranberry jam, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies feature a rich flavor profile that is sure to impress. With their unique cut-out design, they not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any dessert platter. Enjoy these festive delights with a cup of tea, or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert experience.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 300 g cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 150 g water
- 380 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 230 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 50 g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 g dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry jam by combining cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Cool completely.
- For the cookie dough, cream softened butter with sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flours and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold in chopped dried cranberries.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden at the edges. Cool and assemble with cranberry jam.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg