Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies
Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery
Delight in these Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies, a festive treat that combines the richness of buttery cookies with sweet jam filling.
These Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional Linzer cookie, featuring a sweet jam filling that peeks through a charming cut-out. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year, these cookies combine a buttery texture with a fruity burst of flavor.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Buttery, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth
- Sweet and tangy jam filling for a delicious contrast
- Beautiful presentation that makes them perfect for gifting
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their combination of buttery goodness and sweet jam filling captures the essence of festive baking. The visual appeal of these cookies, with their intricate cut-out designs, makes them a showstopper at holiday gatherings and parties. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also add a charming touch to your dessert table, impressing friends and family alike.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy. The rich flavors and textures make them a favorite among both children and adults. Plus, they’re easy to make, providing a fun baking experience that can be shared with loved ones.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Linzer Eye Cookies, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. This allows for the perfect creaming consistency with the powdered sugar, leading to a lighter cookie texture. Additionally, don't skip the chilling step; resting the dough in the refrigerator helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they keep their shape and the beautiful cut-out designs.
When rolling out the dough, keep your surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. If you find the dough too sticky, you can chill it for a bit longer. For an extra special touch, consider experimenting with different flavors of jam. Raspberry and apricot are classic choices, but feel free to use your favorite fruit preserves for a unique twist.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once baked and assembled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy holiday schedules. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing the baked cookies before adding the jam. Simply thaw and assemble when you’re ready to serve them.
These cookies are also fantastic for gifting. Arrange them in a decorative box or jar, and add a personal touch with a handwritten note. They make a heartfelt gift for friends, family, or even as a thoughtful gesture for neighbors during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies:
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure to have all ingredients measured and ready before you start baking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies:
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, and then use a smaller cutter to create a hole in the center of half of the cookies.
Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Assemble the Cookies
Spread a teaspoon of jam on the solid cookies, then top with the cut-out cookies. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your freshly baked Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies!
Nutritional Information
Each Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookie offers a delightful balance of sweet and buttery flavors, making them an indulgent treat. While they are not particularly low in calories, they provide a satisfying experience that can be enjoyed in moderation. One cookie typically contains around 120 calories, depending on the size and the type of jam used.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider using fruit preserves with no added sugar or experimenting with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious base. Remember, the joy of baking lies in creativity, so feel free to adjust the recipe to meet your dietary preferences.
Pairing Suggestions
These delightful cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee enhances the sweet and tangy flavors of the jam, making for a delightful afternoon treat. For a more festive occasion, consider serving them with mulled wine or a spiced cider, which complements the warming spices in the cookies.
If you're hosting a gathering, consider creating a dessert platter that includes these cookies alongside other favorites like brownies or mini pastries. This allows your guests to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different flavors of jam?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of jam you prefer, such as strawberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies without jam for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
→ What can I substitute for powdered sugar?
You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar in a blender until fine, or use a sugar alternative if you're looking for a healthier option.
Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies
Delight in these Jam-Filled Linzer Eye Cookies, a festive treat that combines the richness of buttery cookies with sweet jam filling.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Sweet Cravings Bakery
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, and then use a smaller cutter to create a hole in the center of half of the cookies.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Spread a teaspoon of jam on the solid cookies, then top with the cut-out cookies. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g