Linzer Cookie Bars: A Festive Twist on a Classic Treat

Linzer cookies, with their delicate almond flavor and peek-a-boo jam centers, are a beloved holiday treat. But let’s be honest, individually cutting out and filling those cookies can be a bit…time-consuming. That’s where Linzer cookie bars come in! They offer all the deliciousness of traditional Linzer cookies in a fraction of the time and effort. This recipe delivers a buttery, nutty shortbread crust, a generous layer of your favorite jam, and a beautiful lattice topping that makes these bars perfect for gifting, serving at parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and yields beautifully textured and flavored bars. We’ll walk you through each step, from preparing the dough to creating the lattice topping and baking them to golden perfection. Get ready to experience the joy of Linzer cookies in an easier, more shareable format!

## Why You’ll Love These Linzer Cookie Bars

* **Easy to Make:** Skip the individual cookie cutting and rolling! These bars are assembled quickly in a baking pan.
* **Deliciously Festive:** The almond-infused crust and sweet jam filling create a classic Linzer flavor profile perfect for the holidays (or any time of year!).
* **Perfect for Sharing:** Bars are naturally shareable and make a beautiful addition to dessert platters or gift boxes.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your favorite jam flavors and dietary needs.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The lattice topping adds an elegant touch that will impress your family and friends.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these ingredients. It’s always a good idea to have everything measured and ready to go. For best results, use high-quality ingredients.

**For the Crust and Topping:**

* 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
* 1 cup (113g) almond flour (also known as almond meal)
* 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (very important for a smooth dough)
* 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon almond extract (enhances the nutty flavor)
* 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar, for dusting (optional, for a pretty finish)

**For the Filling:**

* 1 cup (approximately 280g) of your favorite jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or cherry are classic choices)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rolling pin
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Small bowl for egg wash (optional)
* Pastry brush (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Linzer Cookie Bar Magic

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of delicious Linzer cookie bars.

**Step 1: Prepare the Pan**

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re baked. Make sure the parchment paper is well secured to the bottom and sides of the pan.

**Step 2: Make the Dough**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a more consistent texture.

2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, creating a tender and light crust. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

3. **Add Egg and Almond Extract:** Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined. The egg acts as a binder, while the almond extract enhances the nutty flavor of the almond flour. Avoid overmixing at this stage.

4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust. Stop mixing when the dough just comes together.

**Step 3: Divide and Chill the Dough**

1. **Divide the Dough:** Divide the dough into two portions, with one portion slightly larger than the other. The larger portion will be used for the bottom crust, and the smaller portion for the lattice topping. A good split is about 2/3 for the base and 1/3 for the topping.

2. **Flatten into Discs:** Flatten each portion of dough into a disc. This will help the dough chill evenly and make it easier to roll out later.

3. **Wrap and Chill:** Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing it from spreading during baking and for making it easier to handle. The cold butter in the dough will solidify, which helps to maintain the shape of the bars.

**Step 4: Prepare the Bottom Crust**

1. **Roll Out the Dough:** Remove the larger portion of dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle that is slightly larger than the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking pan. If the dough is too firm to roll easily, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

2. **Transfer to Pan:** Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking pan. Press it gently into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. If the dough tears, simply patch it together with your fingers.

3. **Dock the Crust:** Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times. This process, known as docking, prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.

**Step 5: Add the Jam Filling**

1. **Spread the Jam:** Spread the jam or preserves evenly over the prepared crust. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the crust for a consistent flavor in every bite. Avoid using too much jam, as this can make the bars soggy.

**Step 6: Create the Lattice Topping**

1. **Roll Out the Remaining Dough:** Remove the smaller portion of dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a thin rectangle, about the same size as the baking pan. The thinner the dough, the more delicate the lattice will be.

2. **Cut into Strips:** Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide. Try to make the strips as uniform as possible for a professional-looking lattice.

3. **Arrange the Strips:** Arrange half of the strips horizontally across the jam-filled crust, spacing them evenly apart. Then, arrange the remaining strips vertically across the horizontal strips, creating a lattice pattern. Gently press the ends of the strips onto the edges of the crust to secure them.

4. **Trim Excess Dough (Optional):** Use a knife or pizza cutter to trim any excess dough that overhangs the edges of the pan. This will create a clean and professional look.

**Step 7: Bake the Bars**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. **Bake:** Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the jam is bubbly. Keep an eye on the bars during baking, and if the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil.

3. **Cool Completely:** Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important for preventing the bars from crumbling. The jam will also firm up as it cools.

**Step 8: Cut and Serve**

1. **Lift from Pan:** Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.

2. **Cut into Bars:** Cut the bars into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. The size of the bars is up to you, but a good size is about 2×2 inches.

3. **Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):** Dust the bars with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.

4. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Linzer cookie bars and enjoy! They are delicious on their own, or with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.

## Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookie Bars

* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth and creamy dough. Make sure the butter is at room temperature, but not melted. If the butter is too soft, the dough will be greasy. If it is too cold, it won’t cream properly.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust. Mix the dough until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing it from spreading during baking and for making it easier to handle. The cold butter in the dough will solidify, which helps to maintain the shape of the bars.
* **Use High-Quality Jam:** The flavor of the jam is a key component of Linzer cookie bars. Use a high-quality jam or preserves for the best flavor.
* **Dock the Crust:** Docking the crust prevents it from puffing up during baking.
* **Cool Completely:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important for preventing the bars from crumbling. The jam will also firm up as it cools.
* **Get Creative with the Lattice:** Experiment with different lattice patterns. You can also use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes for the topping.
* **Add Nuts to the Crust:** For a more intense nutty flavor, toast the almond flour lightly before adding it to the dough. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

## Variations and Adaptations

* **Gluten-Free Linzer Cookie Bars:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.
* **Vegan Linzer Cookie Bars:** Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
* **Different Jam Flavors:** Experiment with different jam flavors, such as fig, blackberry, or orange marmalade.
* **Chocolate Linzer Cookie Bars:** Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Nutella Linzer Bars:** Substitute the jam with Nutella for a decadent treat.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve these Linzer cookie bars as part of a holiday dessert platter.
* Package them in festive boxes for gifting to friends and family.
* Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee on a cold winter day.
* Serve them as a dessert at a potluck or party.
* Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.

## Storage Instructions

* Store the Linzer cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
* To thaw, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few hours.

## Linzer Cookie Bars: Recipe Card

**Yields:** Approximately 24 bars
**Prep time:** 45 minutes (including chilling)
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
* 1 cup (113g) almond flour (also known as almond meal)
* 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon almond extract
* 1 cup (approximately 280g) of your favorite jam or preserves
* 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Divide the dough into two portions, with one portion slightly larger than the other.
7. Flatten each portion of dough into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
8. Remove the larger portion of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a rectangle slightly larger than the bottom of your baking pan. Transfer to the prepared pan and press into the bottom and up the sides. Dock the crust with a fork.
9. Spread the jam or preserves evenly over the crust.
10. Remove the smaller portion of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a thin rectangle. Cut into thin strips.
11. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the jam-filled crust. Press the ends of the strips onto the edges of the crust to secure them.
12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the jam is bubbly.
13. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
14. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve.

## Enjoy Your Homemade Linzer Cookie Bars!

These Linzer cookie bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery crust, sweet jam filling, and beautiful lattice topping, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious bars!