Are you a fan of delicious, buttery cookies with a sweet raspberry jam filling? If so, then you’ve likely come across the Linzer Cookie. If you’re like me, you may have wondered where this tasty treat originates from. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll explore the history and origin of the Linzer Cookie.
Linzer Cookies are thought to have originated in the city of Linz, Austria, dating back to the 17th century. These cookies are a popular European pastry, often served during the holiday season. They are typically made with a buttery dough, ground almonds, and filled with various fruit jams, such as raspberry or apricot. The cookie is cut into a round shape, with a small cut-out in the center, and two pieces sandwiched together with the jam in the center visible through the small opening. Yum!
Over time, the popularity of Linzer Cookies has spread throughout the world, with many variations and adaptations. Some American bakeries make Linzer Cookies with a chocolate shortbread crust and a chocolate raspberry filling. Others use hazelnuts instead of almonds in the pastry. Regardless of the variation, one thing remains the same: the delicious taste and sweet aroma of these delectable cookies. So, whether you’re enjoying a Linzer Cookie in Austria, America, or anywhere in between, you can now enjoy these treats with a deeper knowledge and appreciation for where they come from.
Origin of Linzer Cookies
Linzer Cookies have a rich and fascinating history. They are believed to be the oldest known cookie recipe in the world, dating back to the 17th century in the city of Linz, Austria. The original recipe was created by a group of bakers who were competing to make the best dessert. The result was a delicate, almond-flavored cookie filled with red currant preserves and topped with a lattice crust.
- The first known recipe for Linzer Cookies was published in the Viennese cookbook, “Das Süße Kochbuch,” in 1653.
- The recipe quickly spread throughout Austria and Germany, becoming a holiday favorite.
- The popularity of Linzer Cookies immigrated to the United States along with Austrian and German immigrants in the 19th century.
Today, Linzer Cookies are enjoyed all over the world, with many variations of the original recipe. The traditional recipe has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, with the exception of the shape of the cookie. Originally a rectangular-shaped cookie, it is now more commonly known for its famous heart shape.
How to Make Linzer Cookies
Making Linzer Cookies is relatively easy, and the ingredients are relatively simple. The dough is made by mixing butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and ground almonds. The dough is rolled out and cut into desired shapes, with the top layer being cut with a small hole or shape to allow the jam to show through. The cookies are then baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.
| Ingredients | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup unsalted butter, softened | 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| 1/2 cup granulated sugar | 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. |
| 1 egg | 3. Beat in egg. |
| 2 cups all-purpose flour | 4. Gradually mix in flour and ground almonds until dough forms. |
| 1 cup ground almonds | 5. On a floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. |
| Jam or preserves | 6. Cut out shapes, making sure to have one top with a small shape or hole cut out. |
Overall, Linzer Cookies are a classic and beloved dessert. They are perfect for holiday celebrations or a simple afternoon treat. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or put your spin on it, Linzer Cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Linzer Cookie Ingredients
The Linzer cookie is a classic sandwich cookie that consists of two almond shortbread discs and a layer of jam in the middle. This cookie is named after the Austrian city of Linz, where it originated in the early 18th century. The original recipe called for a rich pastry dough made with ground almonds, butter, sugar, and flour, filled with black currant jam, and dusted with powdered sugar. Today, there are many variations of the Linzer cookie, with different kinds of jams, nuts, and spices.
- Almonds: The main ingredient in the Linzer cookie is ground almonds or almond meal. This nutty and sweet flour gives the cookies a delicate texture and rich flavor. You can use store-bought almond meal or grind your own blanched almonds in a food processor or blender.
- Butter: To bind the dough and provide richness, butter is a crucial ingredient in the Linzer cookie. Use unsalted butter at room temperature, and beat it with sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sugar: The Linzer cookie dough usually contains both white granulated sugar and powdered sugar. The former provides structure, and the latter adds tenderness and sweetness. You can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a darker and nuttier flavor.
Other common ingredients in the Linzer cookie include:
- Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used, but you can also use a combination of wheat and almond flours to enhance the nuttiness.
- Egg yolk: The egg yolk acts as a binding agent and provides a golden color to the dough. You can also use a whole egg or egg whites, depending on the recipe.
- Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or vanilla are often added to the dough for a warm and fragrant aroma.
- Jam: The filling of the Linzer cookie can be any kind of jam or preserves, such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, blackberry, or cherry. The jam should be thick enough to hold its shape and not spill over the edges.
Conclusion
The Linzer cookie is a beloved dessert that hails from Austria and has spread around the world. Its signature almond shortbread and fruity filling make it a perfect tea or coffee companion, or a gift for holidays and special occasions. When making Linzer cookies, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe carefully to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Enjoy!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground almonds | 2 cups |
| Unsalted butter, at room temperature | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Raspberry jam | 1/2 cup |
This is a basic recipe for Linzer cookies that makes about 24 sandwich cookies. You can adjust the ingredients and quantities based on your preference and the yield you want. Enjoy!
Linzer Cookie Recipe Variations
While the classic Linzer cookie recipe consists of buttery and nutty shortbread cookies, sandwiched with raspberry jam, there are numerous variations of this beloved cookie that you can experiment with. Here are three popular recipe variations to try:
- Chocolate Linzer Cookies: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cookie dough for a rich chocolate flavor. Use chocolate ganache or Nutella instead of raspberry jam for the filling.
- Almond Linzer Cookies: Replace the traditional hazelnuts with almonds in the cookie dough. Pair with apricot or fig jam for the filling.
- Savory Linzer Cookies: Skip the sugar and add savory herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika to the cookie dough. Use a spreadable cheese like goat cheese or brie for the filling.
If you want to get creative with your Linzer cookie variations, use different types of jam like strawberry, blackberry, or peach. You can even experiment with different shapes for the cookies, like stars, hearts, or snowflakes.
The table below shows a basic Linzer cookie recipe that you can adapt to create your own variations:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Hazelnuts, ground | 1 cup |
| Butter, room temperature | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Egg yolks | 2 |
| Lemon zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Raspberry jam | 3/4 cup |
Experiment with these recipe variations to find your own new favorite Linzer cookies. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, these sweet treats are sure to delight.
History of Linzer Torte
The Linzer Torte is a traditional tart pastry named after the city of Linz in Austria. It is known for its crumbly texture and distinctive lattice design on top. The history of this delicious dessert dates back to the 17th century and is rich with fascinating stories and legends.
- Origins: Although a lot of regions in Austria claim the Linzer Torte as their own creation, it is believed to have originated in Linz in the early 1600s. The oldest known recipe dates back to 1653, making the Linzer Torte one of the oldest recorded cakes in the world.
- Symbolism: The Linzer Torte was often made for special occasions such as weddings or Christmas because of its intricate design. The lattice pattern on top was meant to represent the criss-crossing of the branches of the fruit trees in the Linz orchards. The use of raspberry jam in the recipe symbolizes the month of June, when the raspberries were at their prime.
- Popularity: The popularity of the Linzer Torte grew in the 19th century when it became a favorite dessert of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. It was later exported to other parts of Europe and North America.
Today, the Linzer Torte is enjoyed around the world. It has become a traditional Christmas dessert in many countries and is an ideal accompaniment to coffee or tea. The recipe for the Linzer Torte has evolved over time, with many variations now available. However, the original recipe continues to be the most popular one.
If you are interested in making this classic dessert, here is a basic recipe:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Egg yolks | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Ground almonds | 1 cup |
| Raspberry jam | 1 jar |
First, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and beat well. Then, gradually add in the flour and ground almonds, mixing until well combined. Divide the dough in half and shape them into disks. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out one of the dough disks and place it into a greased tart pan. Spread the raspberry jam over the dough. Roll out the second disk and cut it into strips to create the lattice on top of the jam. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Allow the Linzer Torte to cool before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Linzer Torte and transport your taste buds to the beautiful city of Linz in Austria!
Traditional Linzer Torte Recipe
Linzer cookies, also known as Linzer torte, are named after the city of Linz in Austria. Linzer torte is considered to be the oldest recorded cake in the world, with its first recipe dating back to the 17th century.
- The original Linzer torte recipe is made with ground hazelnuts or almonds, flour, sugar, butter, egg yolks, cinnamon, and lemon zest, and is topped with raspberry jam and a lattice top crust.
- Linzer cookies are a variation of the Linzer torte, with a sandwich cookie version that uses the same ingredients as the torte but in smaller quantities. They are often shaped into hearts or circles and dusted with powdered sugar.
- In addition to the classic raspberry filling, other popular variations include apricot, strawberry, and blackberry fillings.
Here is a traditional Linzer torte recipe:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 400g ground hazelnuts or almonds | Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside. |
| 150g all-purpose flour | In a large mixing bowl, sift together the ground hazelnuts or almonds, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. |
| 200g butter, softened | In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolks and lemon zest and beat until well combined. |
| 200g sugar | Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. |
| 3 egg yolks | Divide the dough into two equal parts, and press one part into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Spread the raspberry jam on top. |
| 2 tsp cinnamon | Roll out the other half of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips and arrange them on top of the raspberry jam in a lattice pattern. |
| 1 tsp lemon zest | Bake the torte for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Let the torte cool completely before serving. |
| Raspberry jam |
Enjoy this delicious Austrian dessert with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
Linzer Cookies vs. Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Linzer cookies and jam thumbprint cookies are both delicious treats that are often served during the holidays, but they have some distinct differences that set them apart. Here’s a breakdown of what makes each cookie unique:
- Linzer cookies come from Austria and are considered a holiday classic in many European countries. These cookies are made with a buttery dough that’s flavored with ground almonds, cinnamon, and lemon zest. The dough is rolled out and cut into rounds, with half of the rounds having a small hole cut out of the center. These are the top cookies. The bottom cookies are left whole and spread with a layer of raspberry jam, then topped with the cut-out rounds. The finished sandwich cookies are dusted with powdered sugar and often served with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Jam thumbprint cookies, on the other hand, are a bit simpler. They’re made with a basic sugar cookie dough and a dollop of jam in the center of each cookie. The jam is pressed into the dough with the baker’s thumb, hence the name “thumbprint.” These cookies originated in the United States in the early 1900s and are often served during the holiday season. While they’re not as fancy as Linzer cookies, they’re still delicious and easy to make.
Ultimately, the main difference between these two cookies is the dough. While Linzer cookies have a more complex flavor profile with their almond, cinnamon, and lemon zest, jam thumbprint cookies are all about the jam. Linzer cookies are a bit more challenging to make, but they’re a stunning addition to any holiday cookie platter.
If you’re looking for a more traditional cookie with an impressive presentation, Linzer cookies are the way to go. However, for a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for a casual get-together, jam thumbprint cookies are hard to beat.
Linzer Cookies as Holiday Gifts
Linzer Cookies originated in Austria and are named after the city of Linz. These cookies are made of two almond-flavored shortbread cookies sandwiched together with raspberry jam in the center. They are traditionally cut into a round shape and have a small cut-out shape on the top cookie, which reveals the jam underneath.
As the holiday season approaches, Linzer Cookies have become a popular gift item. The combination of the buttery shortbread cookie and sweet raspberry jam filling makes them a perfect addition to any holiday treat assortment. Here are some reasons why Linzer Cookies make an excellent gift:
- They are a unique treat: Unlike traditional holiday cookies, Linzer Cookies offer a unique flavor and texture that will stand out on any plate.
- They are easy to package: Linzer Cookies can be wrapped individually or placed in a decorative box or tin to make an attractive gift.
- They are perfect for sharing: Linzer Cookies can be made in large batches, making them a great choice for office parties, family gatherings, or any other holiday event.
If you’re thinking of making Linzer Cookies as a holiday gift, there are plenty of ways to dress them up and make them more festive. Consider adding some red or green food coloring to the cookie dough, or use a seasonal cookie cutter shape like a snowflake or a star. You could even package them up with a holiday-themed card or tag for an extra special touch.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider making your own raspberry jam filling for the cookies. Homemade jam adds an extra layer of flavor and is sure to impress your friends and family. Here’s a recipe for homemade raspberry jam:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 2 cups fresh raspberries | Combine raspberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. |
| 1 cup granulated sugar | Stir until the sugar is dissolved. |
| 2 tbsp lemon juice | Add lemon juice and bring to a boil. |
| Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. | |
| Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before using as a filling for the Linzer Cookies. |
In conclusion, while Linzer Cookies may have originated in Austria, they have quickly become a beloved holiday treat worldwide. With their buttery shortbread cookie and raspberry jam filling, they offer a unique flavor and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. So why not try making a batch of Linzer Cookies this holiday season and see for yourself why they make such a special gift?
What country do linzer cookies come from?
1. What is a linzer cookie?
A linzer cookie is a type of cookie made from buttery dough filled with raspberry jam and topped with a lattice crust of pastry dough.
2. Where did linzer cookies originate?
Linzer cookies are believed to have originated in the Austrian city of Linz.
3. Are linzer cookies famous in Austria?
Yes, linzer cookies are a popular treat in Austria, particularly during Christmas time.
4. How are linzer cookies different from other cookies?
Linzer cookies are different from other cookies because of the lattice crust on top and the raspberry jam filling, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.
5. Can I make linzer cookies at home?
Yes, you can make linzer cookies at home. There are many recipes available online that you can follow.
6. What ingredients are used to make linzer cookies?
The main ingredients used to make linzer cookies are flour, butter, sugar, eggs, ground almonds, and raspberry jam.
7. Are there any variations of linzer cookies?
Yes, there are many variations of linzer cookies. Some recipes use different types of fruit jams, such as apricot or strawberry, while others use different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or walnuts.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading about the origin of linzer cookies! Next time you enjoy a delicious linzer cookie, you’ll know that it comes from the Austrian city of Linz. Don’t forget to come back for more interesting culinary history!