Linzer cookies are the typical Christmas cookies, you will find on any Czech Christmas table. Christmas cookies are another, of many traditions in the Czech Republic. I am sure here in Canada and all around the world, we make cookies for Christmas, but have you heard about Czech cookies for Christmas? I bet you didn’t, so let me tell you a bit about it.
Christmas cookies are one of the biggest tradition in Czech Republic. Every lady in Czech Republic makes her own cookies on Christmas. And it is not only one sort of cookies. We make a dozens of sorts of cookies. It is usually the same recipes used in every household, same shapes, same tastes….well almost.
Of course every housewife has their own secrets, how to make gingerbread softer or how to make Linzer cookies more tasteful. But in general, all the recipes have same base. As I mentioned, that we do dozen of sorts of cookies, I literally meant it…my Grandma usually made 20 sorts of Christmas cookies, and each sort makes at least 30-40 cookies.
Of course, you won’t be able to eat all this during the Christmas season and that’s why we visit our families, where cookies are brought to the tables. You give out to your neighbours or colleagues at work, etc.
In Czech , Christmas cookies are called “cukrovi”, this literally translate the word for cookie and specifies the word Christmas at the same time. Because, as I previously said, these are a traditional cookies and they are made only for Christmas.
This tradition is so important for Czech people, that the woman takes a days off from the work, just to prepare these cookies. And let me tell you, it takes time, to bake it, assemble it, some cookies might take up to 3 days to make (you know time to rest, make an icing, special chocolate covers, etc.)
Linzer cookies are far the easiest ones to do, well sort of, the only thing is that you have to do it in 2 different stages (no worries nothing difficult). First you bake it and then you spread jam of your taste in between two cookies. But from all the other cookies, this one is so far the easiest one.
So I won’t keep you away from the recipe, here you have and don`t forget, you should always have fun making these cookies. Enjoy the time, invite your kids to help you. I know sometimes it could be messy, but once shouldn’t be that big disaster and let me assure you, your kids will love it!
LINZER COOKIES
Ingredients
For the dough
- 300 g 2 & 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 100 g 1/2 cup fine sugar
- 200 g 3/4 cup softened butter
- 2 egg yolks
- zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the filling
- 3/4 cup (177 ml) raspberry jam
- 1 tbsp confectioner sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In the bowl of electric mixer, mix together the butter and sugar until they are combined.
- Add egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest and flour. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
- Place it onto a floured surface and pat into a flat disk.
- Wrap it with plastic food wrap and chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F/ 170 C. On a floured surface, roll the dough 1/4-inch thick and cut out round shapes with cookie cutter around 1 &1/2 inch wide. Gather the scrap dough, roll, and repeat. You will have around 60 pieces.
- Place all the cookies on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper).
- Take the smallest round cookie cutter 1/2 inch wide and cut out little windows. (around 30 cookies).
- Bake the cookies for 10 -15 minutes (depending on the size of cookies), until the edges begin to lightly golden. Allow cooling to room temperature.
- Spread raspberry jam to the bottom side of each cookie and cover with the top cookie (with the window).
- Dust the top of the cookies with confectioner sugar.
They look so beautiful & delicious !!
Thank you darling 😊 and it is so easy to make. Christmas spirit is here 🎄😊