Linzer Eyes Cookies

Linzer Augen Cookies: A Tradition-Filled Delicacy

Welcome to the delicious world of Linzer Augen cookies! These little pastry jewels, with an attractive appearance and irresistible taste, have a story rich in tradition and can add a touch of magic to any occasion. With a delicate texture and a filling of aromatic jam, these cookies are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s embark on the adventure of making these delights together!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients:

300 g flour
200 g butter
100 g powdered sugar
1 packet of vanilla sugar
2 egg yolks
100 g ground almonds
1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
A tangy jam (blueberry, apricot, or red currant) for filling
Powdered sugar for decoration

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough. The almonds should be finely ground, and the flour sifted to avoid lumps.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the soft butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a hand mixer on low speed to combine them until you achieve a smooth cream. Add the egg yolks, grated lemon zest, and cinnamon powder, mixing well.

3. Incorporating the flour and almonds: Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands to avoid lumps. Finally, add the ground almonds and continue to knead until you have a uniform dough. It should not be sticky; if it is too wet, you can add a little more flour.

4. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes. This step is essential for achieving tender cookies that are easy to roll out.

5. Cutting the cookies: Once the dough has chilled, sprinkle flour on the working surface and roll out the dough to a thin sheet about 3-4 mm thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles, ensuring you have an even number (for each completed cookie, you need one circle with holes and one whole).

6. Creating the holes: For half of the circles, use a smaller cutter or knife to cut 1, 2, or 3 holes in the center. These will allow the jam to show through, creating a delicious visual effect.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can dry out.

8. Filling the cookies: After they have cooled slightly, dust powdered sugar on the circles with holes. On the whole circles, generously spread the chosen jam. Then, stick the circles with holes onto the filled ones to form the Linzer Augen cookies.

9. Drying: Let the cookies dry for 1-2 hours to allow the jam to set properly. Afterwards, you can store them in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers in the refrigerator.

Useful tips:

- Choose the jam carefully: A tangy jam is ideal to contrast with the sweetness of the cookies. You can experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
- Additional decorations: For an extra touch of refinement, you can add shredded coconut or melted chocolate on top of the cookies.
- A splash of vanilla: Adding a drop of vanilla extract to the dough can enhance the flavors.

Nutrition and calories:

Each Linzer Augen cookie has approximately 100 calories, depending on the filling and serving size. Although they are sweet, these cookies also contain protein from almonds, providing you with nutritional benefits alongside flavor.

The history of Linzer Augen:

These cookies have their roots in a traditional Austrian recipe from the city of Linz. Over the years, the recipe has been adapted and reinterpreted, becoming a popular dessert in many cultures. Typically, Linzer Augen cookies are associated with winter holidays, but they are delicious year-round.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may vary.

2. How can I keep the cookies longer?
Store them in airtight containers in a cool place to prevent drying out.

3. Can I use fresh fruit instead of jam?
Although it is more challenging, you can try making a fresh fruit sauce, but ensure it is thick enough not to make the dough wet.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Linzer Augen cookies are an excellent choice to impress family and friends at any time of the year. Enjoy every bite and savor the tradition of these delights!