Raspberry-Pecan Linzer Cookies

Andrea Potischman | Nov 28, 2023

We’ve waited all year and it’s finally here, cookie season! And with that, it’s time to indulge in the sweet and nostalgic flavors that define this festive time of year. And what better way to celebrate than with raspberry-pecan Linzer cookies? These are a modern take on a classic cookie that has been enjoyed for centuries. These Linzer cookies are made with a unique blend of all-purpose and pecan flour, resulting in a nutty twist on the beloved Linzer cookie we all know and love.

History of Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies originated in Austria and have become a go-to holiday favorite for their beautiful appearance and irresistible taste. The origin of Linzer cookies can be traced back to Linz in Austria. Linz is known for its rich culinary history and has given birth to several iconic desserts, including the famous Linzer Torte.

Linzer cookies are believed to be a variation of this classic torte which dates back to the 17th century. The torte, a lattice-topped pastry filled with fruit preserves, inspired the creation of smaller, bite-sized cookies with a similar flavor profile. These delicate and decorative sandwich cookies became popular during the holiday season due to their festive appearance.

Pecan Flour

What sets these Linzer cookies apart is the addition of pecan flour to the dough. Pecans lend a buttery richness and a delightful crunch to each bite, elevating the overall experience. The aromatic essence of pecans perfectly complements the tangy sweetness of the raspberry filling.

Traditional Linzer cookie dough is commonly made with ground almonds or hazelnuts, creating a distinctive, nutty taste and crumbly texture. In this recipe, I blend in pecan flour instead to play on the seasonal winter flavors I love most. The center of a Linzer cookie is cut out to create a small “window”, allowing the vibrant fruit jam, traditionally raspberry, to shine through.

Over the years, Linzer jam cookies have gained popularity worldwide as a delightful treat for various occasions, especially during the holiday season when cookie plates are as elaborate as ever. Their charming appearance and delightful combination of flavors make them a beloved and timeless classic at any holiday gathering.

Linzer Cookie Cutters

To create the iconic Linzer cookie shape, a special [Linzer cookie cutter| https://amzn.to/3SWb97a] is essential. This cutter features a fluted edge and a small cutout in the center, allowing the vibrant raspberry jam to peek through. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine!

Fillings

While raspberry jam is the traditional filling for Linzer cookies, and the one my family loves, you can explore a variety of other fillings to suit your taste preferences. Apricot preserves, strawberry jam, or even chocolate ganache are all excellent alternatives that bring their unique character to these iconic cookies.

Linzer Cookie-Making Tips

• Use room-temperature butter, or the dough will not mix evenly.
• Sift the flour(s) and Confectioners’ sugar before mixing, or the dough won’t come together.
• Work quickly when rolling out the dough, and cutting it with the cookie cutters. The dough softens quickly because of the high butter content.
• Any flavor jam can work in these cookies, go ahead and get creative.

While baking these raspberry-pecan Linzer cookies for your Christmas celebrations, you’ll be transported to a world of holiday enchantment. The combination of pecan flour, the intricate Linzer cookie shape, and the burst of raspberry jam filling makes these treats an irresistible addition to your festive dessert table. Share these cookies with loved ones and savor the joy and warmth that the holiday season brings.

Raspberry-Pecan Linzer Cookies

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Rate this recipe

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2 ratings

Servings:

12

Serving Size:

2 cookies

Prep:

30 minutes

Cook:

20 minutes

Wait:

30 minutes

Total:

50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup Confectioner's sugar, sifted, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/2 cup pecan flour, sifted
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In the bowl of a kitchen mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, add the butter, Confectioners' sugar, salt, and vanilla, and mix on medium until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour, mix just until combined.
3. Remove the dough from the mixer, and knead the dough into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Once the dough has chilled, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set near your workstation. Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll the dough out into a large circle about 1/4-inch thick. Use a 2-inch Linzer cookie cutter, to cut out an even amount of bottoms and tops, rerolling and cutting scrap.
5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, and place in the oven on the top and bottom racks, rotating and switching pans halfway through, until edges are lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool.
6. Once the cookies have cooled, use an offset spatula to spread the jam over the bottom of each whole cookie. Dust Confectioners' sugar over the top cutout cookies and gently place them on the cookie with jam filling, sugar side up.