She Strengthens

Sweet Treats for the Holiday Season

Get ready to indulge in a delightful cookie experience that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition! These mouthwatering treats are reminiscent of the classic linzertorte, with a twist that will leave you wanting more.

A Delicate Balance of Flavors

The secret to these scrumptious cookies lies in the perfect blend of ingredients. Ground nuts, typically hazelnuts, add a rich flavor and satisfying crunch. A hint of spice from the cinnamon, salt, and cloves complements the sweetness of the granulated sugar. And let’s not forget the star of the show – the jam! Raspberry or smooth apricot jam provides a fruity and tangy contrast to the buttery cookie.

Equipment Essentials

To create these delectable cookies, you’ll need:

• 2-inch and 3/4-inch round or fluted cookie cutters
• A stand mixer or hand mixer
• A baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Game Plan

Before you begin, consider the following tips:

• Store the finished cookies in an airtight container, layered between pieces of waxed paper, for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the baked cookies without powdered sugar for up to 2 months.
• Prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups finely ground almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• Scant 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons water
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

To assemble:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• 3/4 cup raspberry or smooth apricot jam

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine the nuts, flour, cinnamon, salt, and cloves in a large bowl and whisk to aerate. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and water until pale yellow and mixed thoroughly. In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until smooth and lightened in color. Add the egg mixture and beat until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing only until the flour disappears into the dough.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough in half and form it into 2 balls. Place each ball between 2 large pieces of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Flatten the ball with your hands into a disk, then roll with a rolling pin until it’s 1/8 inch thick. Refrigerate or freeze until the dough is very firm.

Step 3: Cut Out the Cookies

Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Remove a round of dough from the refrigerator or freezer and place on a work surface. Using a 2-inch round or fluted cutter, stamp out as many rounds as possible. Using a 3/4-inch round or fluted cutter, stamp out the centers of half the rounds. Transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheet and space them 1/2 inch apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake until the cookies are light golden brown, dry, and just firm to the touch, about 9 to 11 minutes. Immediately transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Dust powdered sugar over the cookies with the cut-out centers. Flip the remaining cookies upside down and evenly spread 1 teaspoon of jam on each. Gently place a powdered-sugar-dusted cookie top on each bottom.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Delicious Creations!

Relish the fruits of your labor and indulge in these scrumptious cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year!