Vegan Linzer Cookies

Welcome to Day 7 of "12 Days of Vegan Christmas Cookies!" Enter - Vegan Linzer Cookies. Linzer cookies are jam-filled sandwich cookies with a subtle nutty flavor thanks to the ground almonds mixed in with the dough. These cookies are tender in texture and not overly sweet. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra kick. Let's learn how to make them!

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Ingredients in Vegan Linzer Cookies

Wet Ingredients

• Vegan Butter (¾ cup): Vegan butter is a plant-based alternative to traditional butter, contributing to the cookie's richness and moisture. It helps create a tender and crumbly texture.
• Sugar (½ cup): Sugar adds sweetness to the cookies, balancing the tartness from the lemon zest and the richness from the vegan butter. It also contributes to the cookies' texture by aiding in their tenderness and browning.
• Zest of 1 Lemon: Lemon zest provides a bright and fresh flavor to the cookies. It complements the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the overall taste of the linzer cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the cookies, enhancing the overall taste. It's a common ingredient in baked goods to improve and round out the flavor profile.
• Almond Extract (¼ tsp): Almond extract imparts a distinct almond flavor to the cookies, contributing to the traditional taste of linzer cookies. It complements the almond flour in the recipe.

Dry Ingredients

• Salt (¼ tsp): Salt helps to balance and enhance the flavors in the cookies. It prevents the cookies from being overly sweet, providing a more complex taste.
• Almond Flour (¾ cup): Almond flour not only contributes to the almond flavor of the cookies but also adds a slightly denser and moist texture. It's a key ingredient in linzer cookies, giving them a distinctive taste and texture.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure and helps them hold their shape. It is the primary dry ingredient that, when combined with the wet ingredients, forms the cookie dough.
• Jam of Choice for Filling: The jam filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness to the linzer cookies. The choice of jam is flexible, allowing for personalization of flavors. Common choices include raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
• Powdered Sugar for Topping: Powdered sugar serves as a sweet and visually appealing topping for the linzer cookies. It not only enhances the sweetness but also provides a delicate and festive appearance, especially with the traditional lattice design.

Steps for Making Vegan Linzer Cookies (with pictures!)

Preparing the Dough

1. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar using an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 1 minute. Add the lemon zest, vanilla extract, almond extract and salt to the bowl. Beat again until ingredients are evenly distributed. Add in the almond flour and all purpose flour. Beat until just combined. Do not over-mix. Dough will appear pebbly. 
2. Chill the Dough: Using your hands, form the cookie dough into a disk. Wrap the disk in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Cookie dough can keep like this for up to 48 hours. 
3. Roll and Cut: Remove cookie dough from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Roll it out until it is ⅛ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Using linzer cookie cutters, cut an equal number of cookies with holes and cookies without holes. Bring scraps back together and roll out again as necessary. As you work, place cut cookies on a large baking sheet or two. Continue until you have used up all of the dough.
4. Freeze: Place the baking sheet(s) with the cut cookies in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. This will help the cookies keep their shape in the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Steps cont.

Baking and Assembling

1. Bake: Remove the cut cookies from the freezer and transfer some to the prepared baking sheet leaving about an inch of space between them. Return extra cut cookies to freezer to chill between batches. Bake cookies on center rack of preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat for following batches.
2. Assemble: Once all of the cookies are baked and cooled you can begin assembly. Take the cookies without holes and spread about 1 ½ teaspoon of jam over the undersides focusing on the center. Leave a small, clean edge to avoid seepage. Lay a cookie with a hole over the top of the jam gently to form a sandwich. Dust lightly with powdered sugar right before serving.

Tips for Making Vegan Linzer Cookies

1. Choose a High-Quality Vegan Butter: Use a good-quality vegan butter with a high fat content. To illustrate, this will ensure a rich and buttery flavor in your cookies.
2. Check the Jam Ingredients: Make sure the jam you choose for filling is vegan-friendly and doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients like gelatin or honey.
3. Chill the Dough: After preparing the cookie dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilled dough is easier to handle and results in cookies with a better texture. You'll chill the cookies once more before baking after they have been cut.
4. Flour Cookie Cutters: Before cutting out shapes, dip your linzer cookie cutters in flour. This prevents the dough from sticking to the cutter, allowing for clean and precise cuts.
5. Create a Window for the Jam: For the top cookie layer, use a smaller cookie cutter or a knife to create a window (a cutout in the center). This will showcase the jam filling on the bottom layer.
6. Bake in Batches: If you have a large number of cookies to bake, consider baking them in batches. This ensures even baking and also offers consistent results.
7. Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking. Linzer cookies are best when they are tender and slightly crumbly. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
8. Cool Before Assembling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before assembling them with jam. This prevents the jam from melting and ensures a neater presentation.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar Before Serving: Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a finishing touch and enhances the visual appeal.
10. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavored jams or even add a hint of spices to the cookie dough for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any vegan butter for the linzer cookies, or is there a specific type recommended?

It's recommended to use a high-quality vegan butter with a high fat content for the best flavor and texture. Look for brands that are specifically designed for baking.

Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?

While almond flour contributes to the distinctive flavor and texture of linzer cookies, you can experiment with other nut flours or use more all-purpose flour if you have allergies or preferences.

What's the purpose of the almond extract in the recipe? Can I omit it?

Almond extract enhances the almond flavor in linzer cookies. While it's optional, omitting it will reduce the almond taste. You can experiment with a different extract if you prefer.

Can I use any jam for the filling, or are there specific recommendations?

You can use any vegan-friendly jam of your choice. Popular choices include raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, but feel free to get creative with flavors.

FAQ's Continued

How do I prevent the jam from leaking out?

To prevent jam leakage, leave a small border around the edges when spreading jam on the bottom cookie layer. Also, avoid overfilling, and don't spread the jam all the way to the cookie's edge.

My linzer cookies turned out too crumbly. What did I do wrong?

Too much almond flour can make the dough crumbly. Ensure you balance it with all-purpose flour. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, and be gentle when handling it.

Can I use gluten-free flour to make vegan linzer cookies?

Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary, so choose a high-quality gluten-free flour for the best results.

How to Serve Vegan Linzer Cookies

Serving vegan linzer cookies can be a delightful experience, and there are several ways to present and enjoy these festive treats. Here are some suggestions:

1. On a Festive Plate: Arrange the linzer cookies on a decorative plate, showcasing their intricate shapes and the vibrant jam centers. This is a simple and also visually appealing way to serve them.
2. Dusted with Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, dust the linzer cookies with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also enhances their visual appeal.
3. Create a Platter with a Variety of Flavors: If you've made linzer cookies with different flavored jams, create a platter with an assortment of flavors. This provides variety and allows guests to choose their favorite.
4. Accompanied by Hot Beverages: Serve vegan linzer cookies with a side of hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The combination of a warm drink and the sweet, fruity cookies is delightful.
5. As Dessert with Vegan Ice Cream: Elevate the dessert experience by serving linzer cookies alongside a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. The contrast of warm cookies and cold ice cream can be a delightful treat.
6. Wrapped as Gifts: Package a selection of linzer cookies in a festive box or tin, tied with a ribbon. They make excellent homemade gifts during holidays or special occasions.
7. With Fresh Berries: Serve linzer cookies with a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries. The combination of the fruity cookies and fresh berries enhances the overall experience.
8. Garnished with Mint Leaves: For a finishing touch, garnish the serving plate with a few fresh mint leaves. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the presentation.

How to Store Vegan Linzer Cookies

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and quality of vegan linzer cookies. Here's a guide on how to store them:

1. Room Temperature: Store the linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure the container has a tight seal to prevent the cookies from becoming stale.
2. Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking the cookies in the container, place sheets of parchment paper between the layers. To explain, this helps prevent the cookies from sticking together or losing their shape.
3. Avoid Moisture: Keep the cookies away from moisture and also humidity, as these conditions can cause them to become soft or lose their crispness.
4. Cool Before Storing: Allow the linzer cookies to cool completely before storing them. Storing warm cookies in a sealed container can create condensation, therefore leading to a loss of texture.
5. Separate Filled and Unfilled Cookies: If you've made linzer cookies with jam filling, you should also consider storing the filled and unfilled cookies separately. This prevents the jam from making the cookies overly soft.
6. Refrigeration (Optional): While linzer cookies can be stored at room temperature, if you live in a warm climate or if your kitchen tends to be warm, you may choose to store them in the refrigerator. Again, use an airtight container.
7. Freezing: Linzer cookie dough can be frozen for future use. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container before freezing. Baked linzer cookies can also be frozen, separated by layers of parchment paper.
8. Thawing Frozen Cookies: If you've frozen baked linzer cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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