Linzer Cookies

Ingredients · 8 servings

• 520 gAlmond shortbread, chilled
• 180 gRaspberry jam, stirred smooth
• 30 gPowdered sugar, sifted (to serve)
• 25 gFlour, for dusting

Equipment

oven, baking tray, parchment paper, rolling pin, cookie cutter, small cutter, cooling rack, sieve, thin spatula, bowl, cover, ruler

Instructions

1. 1
   Mise en place

   Gather almond shortbread, raspberry jam, powdered sugar, flour, 2 trays, parchment, rolling pin, cutters, rack, sieve, and spatula. · 5 min

   What to look for: All ingredients are weighed and tools are within reach.

2. 2
   Chill dough

   Chill almond shortbread until firm enough to roll cleanly, keeping the dough covered so the butter stays cold and the edges stay sharp. · 15 min

   What to look for: Dough feels cool, firm, and not sticky.

3. 3
   Roll dough

   Dust the work surface with flour, roll almond shortbread to 4 mm thick, and cut 16 rounds with a plain or fluted cutter. · 10 min

   What to look for: Dough sheet is even and cut rounds lift without tearing.

4. 4
   Cut windows

   Cut a small center from 8 rounds, then move all cookies to lined trays with a thin spatula so the shapes stay even. · 5 min

   What to look for: Half the cookies have neat center openings.

5. 5
   Heat oven

   Heat oven to 204°C / 400°F and chill the filled trays while it heats, so butter firms and the cut edges bake neatly. · 10 min

   What to look for: Oven is hot and the cookies look firm on the trays.

6. 6
   Bake cookies

   Bake at 204°C / 400°F until the edges are pale gold and the centers look dry, rotating trays once for even color. · 8 min

   What to look for: Edges are lightly golden while tops stay pale.

7. 7
   Cool cookies

   Cool cookies on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack until completely firm before adding jam. · 15 min

   What to look for: Cookies are crisp enough to move without bending.

8. 8
   Serve cookies

   Dust window cookies with powdered sugar, spread raspberry jam on solid cookies, top them gently, and serve while the centers shine. · 8 min

   What to look for: Jam is visible through each bright sugar dusted window.