Name: Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 0.5 tsp almond extract; 0.5 cup cherry jam

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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the delightful aroma of baking cookies wafting through the air. Imagine a warm kitchen filled with the sweet scent of almond, cherry, and buttery goodness—that’s what you get when you make Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy, adorned with vivid red cherry jam and dusted with powdered sugar like a fresh snowfall.

As I reminisce about my childhood, I can’t help but recall the laughter and chaos that ensued in my grandmother’s kitchen every Christmas. Flour would fly as we attempted to roll out dough, and there were more cookie casualties than I care to admit. Yet, amidst the culinary chaos, those Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies became a symbol of holiday cheer—a tradition that still brings my family together today. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious journey!

Why You'll Love This Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

This incredible Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing structure; sift it for a lighter texture.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness without graininess; perfect for dusting on top for that snowy effect.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a flaky texture; it brings richness to the cookies.
Almond Extract: A key player in flavor; choose pure extract for a fragrant aroma.
Cherry Jam: The star filling; opt for high-quality jam to enhance the overall taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so our cookies don’t stick like they’re auditioning for a horror movie.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of powdered sugar until well combined. This step is crucial—it’s where we set the stage for our cookie magic.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together one cup of unsalted butter (softened) and half a teaspoon of almond extract until it’s fluffy and pale. Think clouds—fluffy clouds ready to rain down deliciousness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter while mixing on low speed. Don’t rush! We want everything combined without turning it into cookie dough confetti.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps solidify the butter so our cookies maintain their shape during baking—no pancake cookies allowed!

Step 6: Roll Out and Cut

Once chilled, flour your work surface lightly and roll out half of your dough to about a quarter-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes—be creative! Remember to cut out holes in some shapes for that classic Linzer look.

Step 7: Bake

Place your cut-out cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake them in your preheated oven for around 10-12 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to burnt faster than you can say “cookie monster.”

Step 8: Assemble

Once cooled, spread cherry jam on half of the cookies without holes, then top them with the other halves. Dust with powdered sugar like it’s confetti at a holiday party!

Transfer to plates or festive containers and serve up these beauties as you gather around with loved ones—your kitchen will be filled with laughter (and maybe some flour fights).

And there you have it! Your very own batch of Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies that will surely steal hearts—and stomachs—this holiday season! Enjoy these sweet treats while creating new memories in your kitchen!

You Must Know About Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

This showstopping Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Begin by preparing your cookie dough first; chilling it allows for easier rolling later. While the dough chills, whip up the cherry filling. Once everything is ready, bake the cookies and assemble them while they are still slightly warm for better adhesion.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberry or apricot. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as hazelnuts instead of almonds, to create a unique twist on these Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies.

Storing & Reheating

Store your assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their delightful texture without losing flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

This professional-quality Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Baking these cookies reminds me of when I first made them as a holiday surprise for my family—they were gone in minutes! The joy on their faces made every sprinkle of flour worth it.

FAQs

What are Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are delightful holiday treats that combine the rich flavors of almond and cherry. Traditionally, these cookies feature a buttery almond dough, which is rolled out and cut into shapes. A sweet cherry jam fills the center, creating a beautiful contrast against the cookie’s surface. Topped with powdered sugar, these festive cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a popular choice during the holiday season.

How do I make Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Making Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies is simple and enjoyable. Start by creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, mix in almond extract and flour to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough, cut out shapes using cookie cutters, and create a small opening in half of them for the jam filling. Bake until golden, then cool before adding cherry jam and dusting with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Can I use other jams for Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Yes, you can definitely use other jams for Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies! While cherry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with raspberry, apricot, or even mixed berry preserves. Each type of jam will impart its unique flavor to the cookies, allowing you to tailor your treats according to your preferences or seasonal availability.

How should I store my Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

To keep your Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week if kept properly. If you want longer storage options, consider freezing them without the powdered sugar topping. When ready to enjoy again, thaw them at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that delightful finish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christmas Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a delicious addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their unique combination of almond flavor and sweet cherry jam creates an irresistible treat loved by many. Remember to experiment with various jams for different tastes while following the basic recipe guidelines. Enjoy these festive cookies as part of your holiday traditions or share them as gifts with friends and family!