Linzer Trees
These are a reworking of an old Joy of Cooking recipe. They are the precious stars of her holiday cookie plate. The dough can be slightly finicky but can be re-rolled and re-chilled several times so all the scraps get used. The ideal thickness is somewhere between an eighth and a fourth of an inch. They need to be thin but not so thin that the delicate cookie breaks. The roasted almonds can be ground in a food processor.
These are a reworking of an old Joy of Cooking recipe. They are the precious stars of her holiday cookie plate. The dough can be slightly finicky but can be re-rolled and re-chilled several times so all the scraps get used. The ideal thickness is somewhere between an eighth and a fourth of an inch. They need to be thin but not so thin that the delicate cookie breaks. The roasted almonds can be ground in a food processor.
- Carbohydrate 18.03134 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.04824 g
- Fiber 1.38059996032715 g
- Protein 0.10374 g
- Saturated Fat 0.01217 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (19g)
- Sodium 302.7324 mg
- Sugar 16.6507400396729 g
- Trans Fat 0.014786 g
- Calories 69 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking pans with parchment or silicone baking mats.
- In a bowl or stand mixer, mix butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, almond meal, cinnamon and salt.
- Slowly add dry ingredients, a half-cup at a time, to butter mixture.
- Divide dough into 3 balls. Place each ball between parchment paper (nonstick works best) and roll into a thin circle, about 11 inches in diameter and just over 1/8-inch thick.
- Refrigerate flat for at least 15 minutes.
- Working quickly with one sheet of dough, remove top layer of parchment, then flip onto a clean sheet and remove the bottom layer.
- Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut 30 shapes for the bottoms of the cookies and place on prepared baking sheets. Reserve scraps to reuse for more cookies.
- Bake cookie bottoms for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
- Rest for a couple of minutes on the tray, then carefully transfer to a cooking rack.
- Repeat the process to create the tops, using a pastry tip or a straw to cut out 5 to 7 holes on the trees to resemble ornaments.
- Open any holes that close during baking.
- Meanwhile, melt jam with 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar and boil lightly for about a minute.
- Cool slightly.
- Assemble cookies by flipping the bottoms, spreading them with a scant teaspoon of jam, dusting the tops lightly with powdered sugar and then gently pressing the tops onto the bottoms.
- Store airtight between layers of wax paper or parchment for 3 days. Freeze for up to a month.
My Festive Linzer Trees: A Holiday Baking Adventure
The aroma of warm spices and sweet jam fills my kitchen as I embark on my annual holiday baking tradition – crafting delicate Linzer trees. This recipe, a treasured gift from my friend Allison, has become a centerpiece of my holiday celebrations. It's a labor of love, a testament to the magic of homemade treats that transform a simple cookie into a work of art.
The dough itself is an adventure. It’s a bit finicky, I’ll admit, requiring patience and a few strategic chills in the refrigerator. But don't let that deter you! The slightly temperamental nature of the dough only adds to the charm. The process of rolling, cutting, and re-rolling is oddly meditative. It’s a perfect activity for a quiet afternoon, accompanied by a warm cup of tea and holiday music. And the best part? You get to use every single scrap of dough, ensuring no precious almond-infused morsel goes to waste.
The delicate balance between thickness and fragility is key. You want your trees to be thin enough to showcase their intricate details, but sturdy enough to withstand the gentle handling required for assembly. I've learned from experience that a thickness somewhere between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch is just right. It takes a little practice to achieve the perfect consistency, but the result is well worth the effort.
Once the cookie bottoms are baked to a golden perfection, the real fun begins. I use a small pastry tip or even a simple straw to create charming little holes in the tree tops, resembling holiday ornaments. I love this step; the tiny details create a delightful charm. Each cookie feels unique, each one a small, edible masterpiece. And the seedless raspberry jam, rich and vibrant, adds that crucial element of sweetness and color.
Assembling the Linzer trees is as much about patience and precision as it is about baking. It's a moment for mindfulness. The gentle spread of jam, the careful dusting of powdered sugar, and finally, the joining of the top and bottom halves, creating an intricate, delectable masterpiece. The finished cookies are stunning; delicate little trees ready to grace any festive gathering.
These cookies are not just about the taste; they’re about the memories. They're about the hours spent in the kitchen, the joyful anticipation of the holidays, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious to share with loved ones. And, of course, they’re about the wonderful friends who share their cherished recipes, transforming simple ingredients into memories that last a lifetime.
Beyond the recipe, these cookies represent a deeper meaning to me, the embodiment of holiday cheer. They are a tangible expression of warmth, love, and the joy of giving. I hope that each bite of these Linzer trees carries a touch of this spirit, filling those who savor them with the same holiday joy and warmth that they bring to me.
This year, as I bake my batch of Linzer trees, I'll be thinking of Allison, the friend who shared this recipe and the memories it represents. I'll be thinking of the warmth of the holidays and the love I share with my family and friends. And I'll be savoring each delicate bite, knowing that this tiny cookie holds a lot more than just sugar, flour and jam.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's create some holiday magic together. The process is rewarding, the result is exquisite, and the memories will last a lifetime.
