Description
These spiced Hazelnut Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Austrian treat. With a buttery, nutty dough infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar, they make an irresistible festive dessert! #LinzerCookies #HolidayBaking #HazelnutCookies #ChristmasCookies
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup whole raw hazelnuts
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- For Assembly:
- About 3/4 cup jam or marmalade
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the Gingerbread Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Coffee Soak:
- Brush the cooled cakes with the brewed coffee to infuse the gingerbread with a rich coffee flavor.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, beating until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer, then frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Decorate with a dusting of cinnamon, coffee beans, or holiday-themed sprinkles.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving for best results.
Notes
- Use your favorite jam flavors, such as raspberry, apricot, or marmalade.
- Dough can be made ahead and chilled overnight.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg