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Linecké Cukroví – Traditional Czech Linzer Cookies Recipe

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Traditional Czech Linzer cookies, known as Linecké cukroví, are delicate, buttery sandwich cookies flavored with vanilla and fresh lemon zest. Filled with raspberry or red currant jam and dusted with powdered sugar, these tender cookies are a beloved Czech Christmas treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (cold)
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 pieces egg yolk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste (or vanilla extract)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 1/2 cup jam (e.g., raspberry or red currant)
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for dusting the top part of cookies)

Instructions

  1. Sift 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour into a mixing bowl. Add the cold, sliced butter, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, egg yolks, freshly grated lemon zest, and vanilla paste.
  2. Using your hands, gently work the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms. Be patient and stop kneading as soon as the dough becomes soft and cohesive. Overworking the dough can make the cookies firm. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it in half. Return one half to the refrigerator while allowing the other half to rest at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes. The dough should be firm but pliable. Knead briefly until evenly smooth.
  4. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch (3 mm). Cut out cookies using a flower-shaped or round cookie cutter approximately 2 inches (5 cm) wide. Cut a small hole in the center of half the cookies to create the top layers, ensuring an equal number of tops and bottoms.
  5. Gather the remaining dough scraps and gently shape them into a cylinder. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until slightly firm. Roll out again and cut additional cookies.
  6. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the remaining half of the refrigerated dough.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet using a flat knife or spatula, leaving a little space between them.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 6–8 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely.
  9. Arrange the cooled cookie tops with center holes on a flat surface and dust generously with 1/3 cup powdered sugar. Spread a thin layer of raspberry or red currant jam over each solid bottom cookie. Gently place a sugar-dusted top cookie over each jam-covered bottom, pressing lightly to form a sandwich. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to allow the cookies to soften.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for at least 2 hours before rolling. Refrigerating overnight improves handling and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
  • Use cold unsalted butter for the best delicate, crumbly texture.
  • Avoid over-kneading the dough, as excessive handling can produce tough cookies.
  • Roll the dough evenly to approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick to ensure consistent baking.
  • Raspberry and red currant jams are traditional fillings, but strawberry, apricot, or other fruit preserves also work well.
  • Dust the top cookies with powdered sugar before assembling to keep the jam centers visible and attractive.
  • Watch the cookies carefully during baking. They should remain pale with only slightly golden edges.
  • Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator for up to one week, depending on the jam used. The cookies become softer and more flavorful after resting for 1–2 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze unfilled baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before filling.
  • These cookies are traditionally prepared during the Christmas season in the Czech Republic and are perfect for holiday cookie platters and homemade gifts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/linecke-cukrovi-traditional-czech-linzer-cookies-recipe/