Reindeer Linzer Cookies: A Holiday Delight
The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with these adorable and delicious Reindeer Linzer Cookies? Buttery, soft cookies filled with creamy cookie butter and decorated with festive flair, these treats are a joy to make and share. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and bring some magic to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re an experience. Here’s why they’ll become your holiday favorite:
Show-Stopping Design: The whimsical reindeer theme is perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy making and decorating these cookies.
Versatility: While we’re using cookie butter here, you can switch it up with Nutella, jam, or caramel.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have:
A stand mixer (or a hand mixer with a paddle attachment).
A rolling pin to get the dough to the perfect thickness.
Round cookie cutters: One large (3-4”) and one small (1”). If you don’t have a small cutter, the back of a piping tip works!
Piping bags or zip-top bags for decorating.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats for a non-stick baking experience.
A fine mesh sieve for dusting powdered sugar, optional but so festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these festive cookies:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 teaspoons of cookie butter (or your favorite spread)
1 teaspoon melted white chocolate
Red sprinkles or dragees (for the reindeer noses)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s break down the process to ensure your Reindeer Linzer Cookies turn out picture-perfect.
1. Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes if you’re in a hurry).
2. Roll and Cut the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one portion at a time between two sheets of parchment paper or silicone baking mats to a thickness of ¼” to ⅜”.
For clean cuts, freeze the rolled dough for 15 minutes before cutting.
Using your large round cookie cutter, cut out circles. For half of the circles, use the small cutter to create “windows” in the center. These will form the top layer of your Linzer cookies.
Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
3. Bake the Cookies
Bake immediately while the dough is still cold—this helps prevent spreading.
Place the cookies on the middle rack and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
4. Assemble the Cookies
On the solid cookie base, spread about 1 teaspoon of cookie butter in an even layer.
Place a “window” cookie on top, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with melted white chocolate, pipe reindeer antlers onto the top of each cookie.
Add a dot of melted chocolate at the bottom of the “window” and press a red sprinkle or dragee in place to create the reindeer’s nose.
For an extra touch, dust the cookies with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair these cookies with cozy holiday beverages:
Hot cocoa: Add whipped cream or a peppermint stick for the full festive effect.
Eggnog latte: The spices in the drink complement the buttery cookies.
Mulled cider or wine: Perfect for adult gatherings and holiday parties.
Troubleshooting & Tips for Success
Dough too soft? Refrigerate it for a bit longer. Keeping the dough cold is key to sharp edges and minimal spreading.
Uneven cookies? Roll the dough evenly by placing guides on either side of your rolling pin, like wooden dowels or rolling pin bands.
White chocolate not cooperating? Melt it slowly in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid scorching.
Antlers not your style? Use mini pretzels for a fun twist or skip them altogether for a minimalist look.
Fun Trivia: Linzer Cookies Through the Ages
Did you know that Linzer cookies have their roots in Austria? Inspired by the traditional Linzer Torte, these cookies are known for their iconic “window” design, which reveals the filling beneath. Traditionally, jam was used as the filling, but modern bakers like us have turned them into a canvas for creativity! Adding a holiday spin with reindeer decorations makes these cookies extra special.
Ready to Take Your Baking to the Next Level?
If you loved making these Reindeer Linzer Cookies, there’s so much more waiting for you in my book, Baking Magic: Awaken Your Inner Pastry Chef. It’s packed with simple tricks, pro tips, and show-stopping recipes to help you create unforgettable treats with ease.
Grab your copy on Amazon here and awaken your inner pastry chef today! 🍰✨
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Reindeer Linzer Cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat! These cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. With their buttery texture, creamy filling, and charming design, they’re the perfect way to spread holiday cheer.
So, preheat that oven, dust off your rolling pin, and let’s make this season delicious! Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll be delighted by your festive spirit and baking skills.
Happy baking, friends! 😚
Reindeer Linzer Cookies: A Holiday Delight
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 teaspoons of cookie butter (or your favorite spread)
- 1 teaspoon melted white chocolate
- Red sprinkles or dragees (for the reindeer noses)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes if you’re in a hurry).
- Once the dough has chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one portion at a time between two sheets of parchment paper or silicone baking mats to a thickness of ¼” to ⅜”.
- For clean cuts, freeze the rolled dough for 15 minutes before cutting.
- Using your large round cookie cutter, cut out circles. For half of the circles, use the small cutter to create “windows” in the center. These will form the top layer of your Linzer cookies.
- Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake immediately while the dough is still cold—this helps prevent spreading.
- Place the cookies on the middle rack and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- On the solid cookie base, spread about 1 teaspoon of cookie butter in an even layer.
- Place a “window” cookie on top, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
- Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with melted white chocolate, pipe reindeer antlers onto the top of each cookie.
- Add a dot of melted chocolate at the bottom of the “window” and press a red sprinkle or dragee in place to create the reindeer’s nose.
- For an extra touch, dust the cookies with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
