Linzer Kekse Linzer Cookies

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds or hazelnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Do not overmix.

5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each portion into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

8. Using a Linzer cookie cutter or a round cutter for the base and a smaller cutter with a decorative cutout for the top, cut out an equal number of cookie tops and bottoms.

9. Place the cookie cutouts on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

11. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of jam on the bottom side of each base cookie, leaving a small border around the edges.

12. Gently press a decorated cookie top onto the jam-covered base cookie to create a sandwich.

13. Repeat with the remaining cookies until all are assembled.

14. Dust the tops of the cookies generously with powdered sugar for a festive finish.