Description
These Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are the perfect combination of a soft, rich red velvet flavor and the delicate, buttery texture of a traditional Linzer cookie. Filled with a sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are both festive and indulgent—making them a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or anytime you crave something sweet and beautiful!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the cookie dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring (or liquid food coloring)
- For the filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
- For the finishing touch:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in the red food coloring until the dough turns a vibrant red color.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined and a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough and make it easier to roll out.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Using a round cookie cutter, cut out the cookies. For half of the cookies, use a regular round cutter; for the other half, use a round cutter with a cut-out in the center (a heart, star, or any other shape works beautifully for this).
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to firm up. The cookies should not brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam on the whole cookies (those without the cut-out center).
- Place the cookies with the cut-out centers on top of the jam-covered cookies, pressing gently to sandwich them together.
- Finishing Touch:
- Dust the top cookie with powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy finish.
- Serve:
- These Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the raspberry jam with other types of jam like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry, depending on your preference.
- For a more traditional Linzer cookie, use ground almonds or hazelnuts in place of cocoa powder in the dough.
- If you don’t have red gel food coloring, you can use liquid food coloring, but the color may be a bit less vibrant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Valentine’s Day Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Austrian (Linzer)
Keywords: Red velvet cookies, Linzer cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies, raspberry jam cookies, festive cookies, red velvet treats, heart-shaped cookies, homemade cookies