Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies: A Perfect Holiday Treat

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies are an irresistible combination of tangy cranberries and citrusy orange flavors, making them a must-have for holiday baking. These cookies, with their festive appearance, are perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving celebrations. The contrast between the tart cranberry curd and the sweet, buttery almond orange cookies creates a balance that appeals to all taste buds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies Stand Out

Not only are Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies delicious, but their visual appeal also adds a touch of elegance to any cookie platter. The vibrant cranberry filling peeking through the top layer of powdered sugar-dusted cookies is both eye-catching and festive. If you’re looking for inspiration or helpful tips, King Arthur Baking’s guide offers useful insights into making Linzer cookies stand out with perfect window cutouts.

The Seasonal Flavors of Cranberry and Orange

What truly sets Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies apart is the combination of seasonal flavors. Cranberries bring a natural tartness, while freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness to the cookies. For those interested in mastering homemade curd, this Serious Eats recipe for cranberry curd breaks down the steps for a smooth, flavorful filling. These ingredients make Linzer cookies more than just a dessert—they’re a statement piece for any holiday gathering.

With their rich flavors and beautiful presentation, Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies are perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones. You’ll want to bake them every year!

Recipe Breakdown: Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies Recipe

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These delightful holiday cookies feature an almond orange dough filled with a tangy homemade cranberry curd. They are perfect for festive gatherings or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Curd:

6 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen
⅓ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup water
1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
½ tsp orange zest

2 egg yolks
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and cold

Almond Orange Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour
½ tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Make the Cranberry Curd:
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and zest. Cook until cranberries burst.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain.
- Whisk in egg yolks and cook over low heat until thickened.
- Stir in cold butter until smooth. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Almond Orange Cookie Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Assemble the Linzer Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut out circles using a round cutter and cut out windows in half of the circles.
- Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.
Fill and Decorate:
- Spread cranberry curd on the solid cookie bases. Top with the windowed cookies. Dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Refrigerate the dough to make it easier to roll.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking

Cuisine: Austrian (with an American holiday twist)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 170

Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 9g

Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g

Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies

STEPS

Step 1: Cranberry Curd (Make the day before)

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook the cranberry mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cranberries break down and the mixture thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Puree the cranberry mixture using an immersion blender (blender/food processor) until it is smooth.

Step 2

Add the egg yolks to a medium bowl and whisk until broken up. Very slowly drizzle the hot cranberry mixture into the egg yolks whisking constantly to temper the egg yolks. Transfer the cranberry mixture back to a saucepan and place over low heat. Cook the mixture for an additional 3 minutes whisking constantly until thickened.

Step 3

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add in cold, cubed unsalted butter, one cube at a time, whisking in between each addition. Once all the butter is added, transfer the curd to a heat-safe container. Cover the cranberry curd with a lid or plastic wrap and cool to room temperature. Once cooled, chill the curd in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 4: Almond Orange Cookies

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside.

Step 5

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the orange zest, egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Add in the flour mixture and mix on low speed until the cookie dough forms. Shape the cookie dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 7

Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface, about 1/6 inch thick. Cut out the cookies using a linzer cookie cutter set. For each cookie, you will need one solid cookie and one cookie with the center cut out. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet pan. Bake the cookies for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Cool the cookies on the pan for 2 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8

To assemble the cookies, add a teaspoonful of cranberry curd to one of the bottom cookies. Spread with an offset spatula. Dust the top linzer cookies with powdered sugar and place on top of the cranberry curd to create a sandwich cookie.

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies: Advanced Techniques for Perfect Results

For the best Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies, mastering a few advanced techniques can elevate your baking to the next level. These tips will help you create evenly shaped cookies with a smooth filling, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Chilling the Dough for Precision

One of the most important steps in making perfect Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies is properly chilling the dough. After mixing your ingredients, form the dough into a flat disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour prevents it from sticking to the rolling pin and makes it easier to handle. Additionally, chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, ensuring clean edges and a uniform thickness.

Creating Uniform Linzer Cutouts

When cutting out the cookies, ensure that your shapes are uniform. Use a round cookie cutter for the base layer, and for the top layer, use a cutter with a small window in the center. This window allows the vibrant cranberry curd to peek through, adding a decorative touch. Be gentle while transferring the cookies to avoid stretching the dough, which can lead to uneven shapes.

Perfecting the Cranberry Curd Filling

The consistency of the cranberry curd is crucial to the overall look and taste of your cookies. If the curd is too runny, it will spill out; too thick, and it won’t spread evenly. To achieve the ideal texture, refrigerate the curd for a couple of hours before filling the cookies. This step helps it set properly, creating a neat, glossy finish.

By applying these advanced techniques, your Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies will be bakery-quality every time.

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies: Maintenance Tips for Freshness

To keep your Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. Follow these tips to maintain the quality and taste of your cookies for longer.

Storing Your Linzer Cookies

Once you’ve assembled your Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies, it’s important to store them properly to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which helps preserve the texture of both the cookie and the filling. Layer the cookies with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. For optimal freshness, consume them within 3-4 days.

Freezing Linzer Cookies

If you want to prepare Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies in advance, freezing them is an excellent option. To do this, freeze the unassembled cookies and cranberry curd separately. The cookie layers can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, allow the cookies and filling to thaw at room temperature before assembling.

Refreshing Leftover Linzer Cookies

If your Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies lose their crispness after a few days, you can refresh them by baking them briefly in a low-temperature oven. Place the cookies in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to revive their crispness. Just make sure to do this before filling the cookies with cranberry curd, as the curd may soften under heat.

By following these maintenance tips, your Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies will remain fresh and delicious, whether you’re enjoying them immediately or saving them for later.

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies: Dietary Adaptations for Various Needs

Adjusting Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies for dietary preferences and restrictions is simple, allowing everyone to enjoy these festive treats. Below are some easy modifications to fit common diets.

Gluten-Free Version

To make Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent, which helps the dough maintain its structure. Additionally, double-check that the almond flour is certified gluten-free. The taste and texture will remain delicious with these adjustments.

Dairy-Free Alternative

If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the butter in both the cranberry curd and cookie dough with a plant-based alternative, like vegan butter or margarine. These replacements work well and retain the richness and flavor. You may also want to check that your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain bone char in the refining process.

Lower Sugar Option

For a lower-sugar version of Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. These natural sweeteners can replace granulated sugar in the curd and dough without sacrificing sweetness. Be sure to adjust based on the sweetness level of the substitute, as some are sweeter than sugar. Additionally, using a sugar-free powdered sugar for dusting the cookies is an easy way to reduce sugar content.

These dietary adaptations allow you to create Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies that accommodate various preferences and needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive dessert without compromising on flavor.

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies: FAQs for Your Baking Journey

When making Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies, you may have questions. This section addresses common inquiries to help you achieve the best results.

Can I Use Other Fruits for the Curd?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits to make different curds. For instance, raspberry or lemon curd can be excellent alternatives. Just ensure the fruit has a similar consistency when cooked to achieve the desired texture.

How Do I Know When My Cookies Are Done?

To determine if your Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies are finished baking, look for a light golden color around the edges. They should be firm but not hard. Remember, the cookies will continue to firm up slightly after cooling, so don’t overbake them.

What’s the Best Way to Decorate Linzer Cookies?

For decoration, use a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the visual appeal of your Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicious flavors of the cookies.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. Alternatively, freeze the dough for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out.

By addressing these FAQs, you can confidently tackle the process of making Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies. Enjoy your baking adventure and the delicious results!

Conclusion: The Joy of Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies

In summary, Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of orange. This unique flavor combination makes these cookies perfect for any occasion. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a festive touch to your dessert table.

Embrace Your Creativity

Baking Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies allows for creativity and experimentation. You can customize the fillings and decorations to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to explore different fruit curds or experiment with various decorations. This flexibility ensures that your cookies will always be a hit, no matter the gathering.

Perfect for Sharing

These cookies make excellent gifts or treats for friends and family. Their unique flavors and beautiful presentation will impress anyone who tries them. Whether packaged in a decorative box or served on a festive platter, Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies are sure to be a favorite among your loved ones.

A Lasting Memory

As you enjoy baking and sharing your Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies, you create lasting memories with friends and family. These moments spent together in the kitchen foster connection and joy. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and savor the delightful flavors of this charming cookie recipe.

In conclusion, Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also enrich your culinary experiences. They are the perfect way to celebrate life’s special moments, making every bite a delightful experience. Happy baking!

Deliciously Festive Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion!