Spiced Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with Peach Jam: An Elegant Holiday Baking Guide

Embrace the festive spirit with a delightful twist on a holiday classic: Spiced Gingerbread Linzer Cookies filled with luscious peach jam. Moving beyond the traditional gingerbread men, these elegant sandwich cookies offer a sophisticated alternative, combining the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread with the delicate, nutty texture of classic Linzer cookies. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of sweet jam, aromatic spices, and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, making them an absolute showstopper for any holiday spread or gift box.

The Inspiration: Elevating a Holiday Favorite

For many, the holiday season evokes cherished memories of baking. This year, the desire was to create something truly special and a touch more refined than the usual gingerbread cut-outs. My mind immediately turned to Linzer cookies. Originating from Austria, Linzer cookies are renowned for their elegant “window” design, allowing a peek at the vibrant jam filling nestled between two tender, often nut-infused, biscuits. What truly sets them apart from regular sandwich cookies is the inclusion of ground nuts in the dough, which imparts a unique depth of flavor and a wonderfully soft texture. Experimenting with ground hazelnuts, the goal was to infuse these classic Linzers with the beloved essence of gingerbread. The result was nothing short of spectacular: soft, richly spiced cookies, perfectly reminiscent of gingerbread, yet with an undeniable touch of sophistication.

Crafting the Perfect Gingerbread Linzer Dough

The journey to perfecting these Gingerbread Linzer Cookies involved a bit of culinary exploration. My first attempt started by adapting a favorite Linzer cookie recipe from the esteemed Dorie Greenspan. While the texture and form were successful, the cookies lacked the distinctive kick of ginger and the deep, rich notes of molasses that define true gingerbread. They were delicious, but they simply couldn’t be called “gingerbread.”

Undeterred, for my second attempt, I took a different approach. I began with a reliable, traditional gingerbread recipe, then carefully substituted a portion of the all-purpose flour with finely ground hazelnuts. This strategic swap proved to be the key to unlocking the perfect balance. The hazelnuts provided that essential nutty flavor and delicate crumb characteristic of Linzer cookies, while the foundational gingerbread recipe ensured a robust spice profile and the classic chewy-yet-tender texture. The result was the exquisite cookies you see here – a harmonious blend of two beloved holiday treats, beautifully married into one irresistible confection.

The Perfect Filling: A Symphony of Flavors

Linzer cookies are almost synonymous with jam fillings, and the choice of jam can truly elevate the cookie’s flavor profile. For these Gingerbread Linzer Cookies, I opted for a bright and sweet peach jam. Its delicate fruitiness beautifully complements the warm, robust spices of the gingerbread, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you reaching for more. However, the beauty of Linzer cookies lies in their versatility. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit preserves. Cherry jam offers a classic pairing, adding a tart counterpoint to the sweetness. Raspberry jam provides a vibrant color and a tangy burst. And for those who enjoy a little zest, I imagine that a good quality orange marmalade would work wonderfully, adding a citrusy brightness that pairs exceptionally well with ginger and cinnamon.

Finishing Touches: Beyond the Powdered Sugar

Traditionally, Linzer cookies are elegantly dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar, creating a beautiful “snow-kissed” effect that adds to their festive appeal. This delicate white coating not only enhances their visual charm but also provides a subtle sweetness that balances the jam filling. On the day I made these, however, I found myself without a single granule of powdered sugar, having used up the last bit earlier that weekend. The thought of a 30-minute round trip to the store for just one item was enough to deter me! It’s in moments like these that one truly wishes for a helping hand to run errands while immersed in the joy of baking. While the powdered sugar is a beautiful touch, rest assured that these Gingerbread Linzer Cookies are absolutely delicious and beautiful even without it. The vibrant jam and intricate cut-out are captivating enough on their own.

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

Yield:
1 dozen

Nutty and spiced Gingerbread Linzer Cookies filled with peach jam are a fancier alternative to regular gingerbread men cookies.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup ground toasted hazelnuts
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2/3 cups molasses
6 tablespoons peach jam

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground toasted hazelnuts, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed, essential for consistent flavor.
In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined. Gradually beat in the prepared dry flour mixture until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Divide the dough in half and wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap. Flatten each portion into a disk, which will help it chill faster and roll out more easily later. Refrigerate until firm, for at least two hours or preferably overnight. Chilling is crucial for easy handling and to prevent spreading during baking.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Working with one dough half at a time, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch on a lightly floured surface. Using a 2.5-inch round (or fluted) cookie cutter, cut out shapes. For the top cookies, use a smaller cutter (like the back of a piping tip or a thimble) to cut a “window” out of half of your shapes. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky, refrigerate it until cold and firm again before continuing. Carefully place the cut-out shapes on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving roughly 1 inch between each cookie. Refrigerate the trays for an additional 15 minutes before baking. This final chill is vital to minimize spreading and ensure your cookies retain their intricate shapes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are firm. Immediately after removing from the oven, if you haven’t already, you can cut the “window” out of half of the cookies if you prefer a cleaner cut post-baking (though pre-baking is often easier). Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to finish cooling completely. This prevents them from breaking. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, take a solid cookie (the bottom half) and place 1 teaspoon of peach jam onto its flat surface. Gently top with a cookie that has the “window” cut out, aligning the edges. Lightly press down to secure. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.

Did you make this recipe?

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Source: Adapted from Joy Of Baking

Explore More Festive Treats

If you’ve fallen in love with these Gingerbread Linzer Cookies, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other delicious recipes from my kitchen, perfect for adding more warmth and flavor to your holiday season:

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes: A delightful combination of tangy cheesecake and spiced gingerbread.
Peach and Cherry Gingerbread Cobbler: A comforting, fruity dessert with a gingerbread twist, perfect for a cozy evening.
Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies: A chewy, flavorful cookie combining two classic tastes.

And for those seeking even more inspiration for their Christmas baking adventures, here are some fantastic recipes from fellow food bloggers:

Ginger Bears by Cravings of a Lunatic
Santa’s Favorite Holiday Bark by The Weekend Gourmet
Gingerbread Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce by See Aimee Cook
Midori Melon Cupcakes by Ninja Baking
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti by Noshing With The Nolands
Wine Poached Pear and Almond Rugelach by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Bebinca – Layered Goan Cake by Masala Herb
Artichoke Dip Tarts by Food Lust People Love
Layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Peanut Brittle by Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker
Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes by The Dutch Baker’s Daughter
Chocolate Dipped Baked Potato Chips by Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Nutella Frosting by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen

A Look Back at Past Holiday Collaborations: Freund Container & Supply

In past festive seasons, blogs like ours often collaborated with wonderful partners to bring exciting opportunities to our readers. For example, during a previous #ChristmasWeek event, we were proud to feature a giveaway courtesy of Freund Container & Supply. Freund Container & Supply has a long-standing history, dating back to 1938, as a leading distributor of high-quality glass bottles, containers, and wholesale packaging supplies. They are known for their extensive inventory of over 5,000 in-stock items, impressive 98% same-day shipping, and commitment to low-price guarantees. Their wide selection of jars, tins, bottles, and vials has been invaluable for countless crafting and food-related projects over the years. This particular past giveaway offered five lucky participants a $100 gift certificate to explore Freund’s vast catalog. Such collaborative events were a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday spirit and support our readers’ creative endeavors.

***Please note: This specific giveaway is now closed and no longer active. In the past, such giveaways were for five (individually awarded) $100 gift certificates to Freund Container & Supply. These gift certificates were typically one-time use and had to be used in their entirety, with any leftover monies being forfeited. They were open to both US and Canadian residents, though Canadian winners were advised that due to international shipping rates, they might incur higher shipping costs for orders. ***

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Disclosure: This information pertains to a past giveaway provided by Freund Container and Supply. Participating bloggers had not received product nor been compensated as a part of that particular giveaway.