These Meyer Lemon Curd Linzer Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The buttery shortbread cookie, delicately crisp on the edges and melt in your mouth soft in the center, is infused with a hint of Meyer lemon zest. Sandwiched between each cookie is a silky-smooth, homemade Meyer lemon curd that delivers a bright, citrusy punch with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. The contrast of textures and flavors makes each bite a delightful experience.
Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or simply as a treat to brighten your day, these Linzer cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. The cut bout tops allow the golden lemon curd to peek through, creating an eye catching dessert that’s both elegant and irresistible. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a final touch of sweetness, making these cookies a standout choice for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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For the Linzer Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cool but slightly soft
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- Zest of half a Meyer lemon
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For the Meyer Lemon Curd:
- ½ recipe Lemon Curd (substituting Meyer lemon juice for the lemon juice)
Directions:
- Prepare the Lemon Curd: Follow the lemon curd recipe and chill it for at least 2 hours before using.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Add these to the wet mixture, then mix in the almond flour.
- Roll the Dough: Transfer the dough onto wax paper and lightly dust it with flour. Roll it out to ⅛ inch thick. Place on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Cut the Cookies: Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut shapes from the dough. For half of the cookies, cut a small heart, circle, or other decorative shape in the center. Chill the cookies for 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake cookies for 7–9 minutes until edges are just lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Assemble: Spread Meyer lemon curd onto the whole cookies, then top with the cut-out cookies. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The cookies will soften slightly as they absorb the lemon curd’s moisture.
Prep Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per cookie | Servings: 20 sandwich cookies
Meyer Lemon Curd Linzer Cookies: A Delightful Citrus Twist on a Classic Treat
Meyer Lemon Curd Linzer Cookies offer a perfect balance of buttery shortbread and luscious, tangy lemon curd. These cookies are a delightful variation of the traditional Austrian Linzer cookies, which are typically filled with jam. By substituting the jam with Meyer lemon curd, this recipe introduces a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the rich, nutty shortbread.
Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a casual home cook, these cookies are an excellent way to bring elegance and flavor to your dessert table. They are ideal for special occasions, afternoon tea, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee. The combination of textures crumbly, buttery cookies with smooth, creamy curd creates an indulgent experience that will leave you craving more.
The History Behind Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies originate from Austria and are inspired by the Linzer Torte, one of the oldest known desserts in the world. The Linzer Torte, a pastry made with buttery dough and filled with fruit preserves, is named after the city of Linz. Over time, the recipe evolved into smaller, sandwich-style cookies filled with jam, which became popular across Europe and beyond.
Traditional Linzer cookies feature a shortbread-like dough, often enriched with almond flour for added depth of flavor and tenderness. The top cookie is usually cut out with a decorative shape, allowing the filling to peek through. While raspberry jam is the most common filling, creative variations like chocolate ganache, caramel, and citrus curds have become popular among modern bakers.
Why Use Meyer Lemons?
Meyer lemons are a hybrid between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange, giving them a sweeter, less acidic taste compared to traditional lemons. Their vibrant yellow-orange hue and fragrant aroma make them a favorite among chefs and bakers. Unlike regular lemons, which have a tart and sharp flavor, Meyer lemons offer a milder citrus profile with floral and slightly honeyed notes.
When used in curd, Meyer lemons create a smooth, creamy filling with just the right balance of sweetness and tang. The curd’s silky texture pairs beautifully with the crisp yet tender Linzer cookies, making for a dessert that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
The Art of Making Soft, Buttery Linzer Cookies
One of the standout qualities of a great Linzer cookie is its texture. Some bakers prefer crisp cookies, while others enjoy a softer, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. This recipe ensures a delicate, buttery cookie with the following key techniques:
- Using Almond Flour: The addition of almond flour enhances the flavor while contributing to the cookie’s tender texture. Almond flour also prevents the cookies from becoming too dense or tough.
- Minimal Mixing: Overworking the dough can lead to gluten development, resulting in a firmer cookie. Mixing the ingredients just until combined helps maintain a delicate texture.
- Chilling the Dough: Refrigerating the dough before rolling and cutting prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
- Baking to Perfection: For soft Linzer cookies, it’s best to bake them until they are just set and only slightly golden around the edges. Overbaking will make them crispier, while underbaking can leave them too fragile.
Even if the cookies turn out slightly crispier than desired, filling them with lemon curd and allowing them to rest in the fridge overnight helps soften them naturally. The moisture from the curd absorbs into the cookie, creating a perfect texture.
Flavor Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Meyer Lemon Curd Linzer Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with complementary flavors to enhance the overall experience. Here are some ideas:
- Tea Pairings: Enjoy these cookies with Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea. The floral and citrusy notes of these teas harmonize beautifully with the lemon curd.
- Coffee Pairings: A cappuccino or a vanilla latte makes an excellent match, as the creamy milk balances the bright citrus flavors.
- Fruit Pairings: Serve alongside fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a refreshing contrast.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the finished cookies.
These cookies also make stunning gifts for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Pack them in a decorative tin or wrap them in parchment paper and twine for an elegant homemade present.
Storage and Shelf Life
Meyer Lemon Curd Linzer Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Because of the fresh curd filling, they should not be kept at room temperature for extended periods. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing the unfilled cookies and adding the curd filling just before serving.
To freeze, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. When ready to enjoy, let the cookies thaw at room temperature before assembling with the lemon curd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and zesty Meyer lemon curd is refreshingly different from traditional jam-filled Linzer cookies.
- Elegant Presentation: With their delicate cut-out shapes and golden lemon filling, these cookies look as beautiful as they taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, a tea party, or a personal treat, these cookies always impress.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different cut-out shapes, fillings, and garnishes to create your own unique version.
Conclusion
Meyer Lemon Curd Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic European treat. By swapping out traditional jam for vibrant Meyer lemon curd, this recipe elevates the flavors with a balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness. The combination of buttery, almond-infused shortbread and creamy lemon curd creates a melt in your mouth experience that is both indulgent and refreshing.
Whether you’re making these cookies for a special event or as a homemade gift, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their elegant appearance and irresistible taste, Meyer Lemon Curd Linzer Cookies prove that sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create the most extraordinary desserts.