| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 285 | 16g | 4g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 4g | 0.10g |
Why I Love Austrian Vegan Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam Filling
As soon as I laid my eyes on these Vegan Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam Filling, I knew I was in love. Despite being miles away from my Nebraska home, these Austrian cookies transported me back to the heartland with every bite. The beautiful fusion of flavors, the intricate pattern or Linzer “eyes”, and the burst of raspberry jam filling are a heartfelt ode to the spirit of Midwestern indulgence that exudes comfort and warmth.
Rooted in tradition, Yet Contemporary
Originally an Austrian Christmas tradition, these Vegan Linzer Cookies are inspired by culinary genius Catherine Johns, who ignited my passion for vegan baking. By substituting the traditional butter with vegan alternatives, Catherine introduced me to the delightful realm of tasty yet guilt-free baking. Her unique take on Linzer Cookies propels them beyond the festive season, into a year-round treat that complements various dishes.
These cookies bear a striking resemblance to an all-time favorite of mine – the beloved American jam-filled thumbprint cookie, rendering a fond ode to the Midwest’s love for simple, heartening desserts. When served alongside a cold glass of almond milk or a warm cup of herbal tea, these Vegan Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam Filling transform an ordinary moment into a comforting, cosy break.
Heartland Flavor in Every Cookie
Even the most devoted meat-eaters will not be able to resist the allure of these Vegan Linzer Cookies. The vegan butter provides a sense of familiarity that we all yearn for in a cookie, while the almond flour adds a distinctive but welcome nuttiness that elevates the overall taste. The tart sweetness of the raspberry jam complements the otherwise subtle flavor of the cookie, resulting in a culinary delight that brings the heartland to your table, regardless of where you are.
As I bite into one of these cookies, and savor the delicate balance of flavors within, I am reminded of Nebraska’s wide-open fields, my home church’s warm-hearted community, and my dream of sharing meals with a big family someday. These Vegan Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam Filling are more than just an Austrian dessert – they are a tantalizing showcase of the love and comfort that define life in the heartland.
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Start by creaming together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. This could be done using a stand mixer or by hand with a spoon. Mix until the butter and sugar form a creamy, smooth texture.
Step Two
Add the tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until the applesauce and vanilla extract are fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Stir well to make sure all ingredients are distributed evenly.
Step Four
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until a dough forms. If the dough appears too dry, add a bit more applesauce.
Step Five
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes later.
Step Six
After an hour, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a cookie cutter, cut out an even number of cookie shapes. Half of these will be the bottom of the cookies, and the other half will be the tops.
Step Seven
Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the bottom half of the cookies, then place the top half onto each one, pressing slightly so they stick together. Make sure each top has a small hole or design to allow the raspberry jam to peek through.
Step Eight
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step Nine
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before sprinkling with powdered sugar for the final touch. Enjoy your vegan linzer cookies with raspberry jam filling!
