Delightful Nutty Linzer Cookies These scrumptious Linzer cookies are a perfect blend of buttery goodness and nutty flavor. Ideal for any occasion, they are sure to impress everyone with their delicate design and delicious filling. Ingredients 3/4 pound unsalted butter, softened at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 3 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour Optional: 1 and 1/2 cups (150g) ground pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts Instructions Line 3-4 baking trays with parchment paper. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, salt, granulated sugar, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla extract. You can also use a hand mixer and a large mixing bowl for this step. Start mixing on low speed until the sugars are fully incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is creamy. Don't forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl at least once to ensure even mixing. Set aside 1 cup of the flour and mix it with the ground nuts if you're using them. Toss to evenly coat the nuts with flour. Gradually add the remaining flour in 2-3 batches while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until a dough starts to form; it may appear crumbly at the bottom. When you shape the dough into a ball on a floured surface, it will come together nicely. Add the nut mixture and beat until combined. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Roll the dough out to about a quarter inch thick for thinner cookies or up to half an inch for heartier ones. Thinner cookies work best for making Linzer sandwich cookies. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. Keep extra flour handy to dust the cutter if it gets sticky. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking trays, leaving enough space between them for baking. Combine any leftover dough, roll it out again, and cut out more cookies. For the Linzer style, remember to cut out the center of half of the cookies using a smaller cutter. You can place the smaller cookies on top of the larger ones later. Chill the cookies in the freezer or refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to help them retain their shape while baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until golden around the edges. If using multiple trays, rotate them halfway through for even baking. Let the cookies cool completely. Spread your choice of filling (jam, curd, chocolate, or buttercream) on the flat side of each cookie. Dust the cookies with cut-out centers with powdered sugar. Top the filled cookies with the cut-out cookies to create delightful Linzer sandwiches.
