Name: Irresistibly Sweet Snowflake Linzer Biscuits for the Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 74 min
Ingredients: 250 g unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup pure icing sugar (plus extra for dusting); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract); 2 1/4 cups plain flour (no substitutions recommended); 3/4 cup almond meal (or finely ground oats for gluten-free); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups frozen raspberries (fresh can be used); 3/4 cup caster sugar (adjust based on tartness); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 1/2 teaspoons rosewater (or orange blossom water)

As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of vanilla and almond floating through the air, I realized that nothing quite captures the spirit of the holidays like homemade treats. Enter the charming White Wonderland Snowflake Linzer Biscuits! These delightful biscuits provide a wonderful combination of light crispness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them perfect for both festive gatherings and cozy family evenings. With the freedom to choose your favorite filling—be it tangy raspberry jam, zesty lemon curd, or even rich chocolate spread—this biscuit recipe is not only adaptable but also a true crowd-pleaser. Imagine the joy of sharing these elegant cookies, dusted with a loving touch of icing sugar, with friends and family. So, are you ready to sprinkle a little magic into your baking and create memories that taste as sweet as they look?

Why Love Snowflake Linzer Biscuits?

Irresistible Taste: Each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors, from fruity jams to nutty almond meal, ensuring a memorable experience.
Festive Appeal: Perfectly shaped like snowflakes, they add a touch of whimsy to your holiday table.
Endless Variations: Switch up fillings like lemon curd or chocolate spread for a fresh twist every time; the possibilities are endless!
Simple Technique: With straightforward steps, they are easy to make, even for novice bakers.
Perfect for Gifting: Packaged beautifully, these biscuits make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family this season.
Embrace the festive spirit and create lasting memories with these delicious treats!

Snowflake Linzer Biscuits Ingredients

Prepare to embrace the joy of baking with the following essential ingredients for your snowflake linzer biscuits!

For the Dough

250g unsalted butter – Provides richness and structure; ensure it’s softened for ease of mixing.
3/4 cup pure icing sugar – Delivers sweetness and a light texture, with extra handy for dusting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enriches flavor; consider almond extract for a delightful twist.
2 1/4 cups plain flour – Forms the biscuit’s sturdy base; no substitutions are recommended for best texture.
3/4 cup almond meal – Adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture; substitute with finely ground oats for a gluten-free version.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness; an essential ingredient to enhance flavor.

For the Jam Filling

2 cups firmly packed frozen raspberries – The star filling that adds tartness; fresh raspberries can work too, just watch the sugar adjustment.
3/4 cup caster sugar – Sweetens the jam filling; adjust it based on the fruit’s natural tartness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brings acidity and brightness to the jam; essential for a deeper flavor.
1 1/2 teaspoons rosewater – Infuses a lovely floral note; feel free to replace it with orange blossom water for a different flair.

Embark on your baking adventure with these delightful ingredients, and before you know it, you’ll have your very own batch of snowflake linzer biscuits ready to impress!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for snowflake linzer biscuits

Step 1: Prepare the Jam
In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen raspberries, caster sugar, and lemon juice. Over low heat, simmer the mixture for 12–14 minutes, stirring gently until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy. To enhance flavor, stir in the rosewater once off the heat and allow the jam to cool completely in a bowl as you prepare the biscuit dough.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and pure icing sugar together using an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Gradually fold in the plain flour, almond meal, and salt until just combined to form a soft dough, then divide it into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll & Cut
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) while you work on the dough. On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of baking paper, roll out one dough disc to about 0.5cm thick. Using a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the biscuits; for half of these, cut smaller snowflake shapes from the center. Place the cookies on lined baking trays, ensuring they are spaced apart.

Step 4: Bake
Transfer the lined trays to the preheated oven and bake the snowflake linzer biscuits for 12-14 minutes, or until they turn a light golden color. Halfway through baking, swap the trays between the top and bottom racks for even cooking. Once baked, let the biscuits cool on the trays for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Assemble
Once the biscuits are completely cool, take the full biscuits and spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the cooled raspberry jam onto the center of each. Dust the cut-out biscuits lightly with extra icing sugar, then carefully place them atop the jam-covered biscuits to create delightful snowflake linzer biscuits. Enjoy the festive spirit as you share these elegant treats!

Expert Tips for Snowflake Linzer Biscuits

Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing; cold butter may lead to uneven texture.
Cool Before Assembly: Allow biscuits to cool completely before adding jam. This prevents the jam from melting the delicate cookies together.
Gentle Rolling: Use a light hand when rolling out the dough. Over-rolling can create tough biscuits instead of the intended melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Jam Thickness: Make sure your jam is thick enough; a runny filling can ooze out. Simmer longer if needed, and let it cool before using.
Oven Tricks: Rotate your trays halfway through baking for even cooking, ensuring all your snowflake linzer biscuits come out golden and perfect.
Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to switch up your jam! Try lemon curd or chocolate spread for delightful variations that cater to all tastes.

How to Store and Freeze Snowflake Linzer Biscuits

Room Temperature: Keep your unfilled snowflake linzer biscuits in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain their crispness.

Fridge: If you’d like to add the filling ahead of time, assembled biscuits can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling.

Reheating: If desired, you can warm individual biscuits in a low oven for a few minutes, but this is best for unfilled ones to preserve their texture.

What to Serve with White Wonderland Snowflake Linzer Biscuits

Imagine a cozy holiday gathering filled with laughter, the aroma of freshly baked treats, and the joy of sharing delicious bites with loved ones.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the biscuits beautifully. The tartness of berries complements the raspberry jam filling perfectly.
Rich Hot Chocolate: This indulgent beverage, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, marries wonderfully with the delicate flavors of the biscuits, enhancing their appeal.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai beautifully marry with the almond and raspberry notes, creating a soothing pairing perfect for cozy gatherings.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scooped alongside the biscuits, this ice cream brings a luscious creaminess, making each bite decadent and delightful.
Nutty Biscotti: These crunchy delights add texture; dipping them in coffee makes for an elegant, sophisticated pairing that delights every palate.
Mulled Wine: The spices and rich red fruit flavors elevate the festive spirit while complementing the jam in the biscuits, making it a merry treat.
Caramel Sauce Dip: Offering a sweet and rich contrast, this decadent dip can enhance the flavors of the snowflake linzer biscuits, making every bite irresistible.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of high-quality dark chocolate over the biscuits adds an elegant touch and pairs beautifully with fruit fillings.

Make Ahead Options

These Snowflake Linzer Biscuits are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts craving homemade delights! You can prepare the jam filling up to 3 days in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its bright flavor. The biscuit dough can also be made ahead—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting. When you’re ready to enjoy your biscuits, simply roll out the chilled dough, bake, and assemble once cool. This ensures flavorful, beautifully delicate biscuits with minimal effort, letting you savor your festive baking experience without the last-minute rush!

Snowflake Linzer Biscuits Variations

Feel free to explore the world of flavor with your Snowflake Linzer Biscuits and make them uniquely yours!

Lemon Curd: Swap out raspberry jam for zesty lemon curd for a refreshing twist. The bright flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.
Chocolate Spread: For a rich and indulgent treat, replace the jam with creamy chocolate spread. This decadent option is sure to please chocolate lovers.
Marmalade: Try a tangy orange marmalade for a citrusy zest. Its chunky texture adds an interesting bites amidst the sweet crispness.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your almond meal is certified gluten-free. Enjoy the same delightful taste without worry!
Nut-Free: Replace almond meal with finely ground oats or sunflower seed flour to make these biscuits nut-free. They’ll still taste wonderful and have a lovely texture.
Festive Glitter: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter to the icing sugar before dusting. It not only adds sparkle but also makes them extra festive for celebrations!
Spices: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for warm, aromatic notes. These spices evoke a delicious holiday spirit.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruit preserves like apricot or cherry. Each will lend its own unique flavor profile, making every batch a surprise!

Explore these variations and create the perfect batch of Snowflake Linzer Biscuits that will leave lasting memories around your holiday table. Consider sharing them alongside a cozy cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate treat!

Snowflake Linzer Biscuits Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for my Snowflake Linzer Biscuits?
Absolutely! For your filling, choose frozen raspberries that are bright in color, without dark spots all over. If using fresh raspberries, look for ones that are plump and store-bought. If they look bruised or mushy, they won’t make for a great jam!

How do I store my Snowflake Linzer Biscuits to keep them fresh?
I recommend keeping your unfilled snowflake linzer biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer to store them after filling, place assembled biscuits in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just remember, filled biscuits are best enjoyed fresh!

Can I freeze my Snowflake Linzer Biscuits? How should I do it?
Certainly! For optimal freshness, freeze your unfilled biscuits in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature and then fill them with your jam!

What should I do if my biscuit dough is too sticky or crumbly?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it a bit longer, as this will help it firm up. If it’s crumbly, it might need a touch more butter or a splash of water. Just add a little at a time, working the dough gently until it comes together into a smooth ball.

Are Snowflake Linzer Biscuits suitable for people with nut allergies?
Good question! Since this recipe includes almond meal, it’s not ideal for those with nut allergies. For a nut-free version, simply substitute the almond meal with finely ground oats or a nut-free flour blend to achieve a similar texture without the allergens.

Can I customize the fillings for my Snowflake Linzer Biscuits?
Very much so! This recipe provides a delicious base allowing for endless creativity. You can easily swap the raspberry jam for lemon curd, chocolate spread, or even marmalade. Whichever filling you choose, just make sure it complements the delicate biscuit flavor!