Delight in the delicate, nutty flavor of Caramel Hazelnut Linzer Cookies. These beautiful sandwich cookies, filled with luscious caramel and dusted with powdered sugar, are as stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or any time you’re craving a sophisticated treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and finely ground
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Additional:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground hazelnuts, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Use a smaller cutter to cut out the centers of half of the cookies (these will be the tops).
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Spread a thin layer of caramel sauce onto the flat side of each whole cookie.
- Place a cookie with a cut-out center on top to form a sandwich.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar.
- Serve and Store:
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, almonds or walnuts can be substituted, but hazelnuts provide a distinctive flavor.
2. How do I toast hazelnuts?
Place hazelnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Rub them in a towel to remove skins.
3. Can I use store-bought caramel?
Absolutely! High-quality store-bought caramel works well and saves time.
4. What if my dough is too sticky?
Chill it longer or add a little more flour while rolling.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
6. Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting ensures a smooth, even dusting on the cookies.
7. What other fillings can I use?
Try chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or Nutella for a delicious variation.
8. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and chill the dough thoroughly before baking.
9. Can I use a different shape for the cutouts?
Yes, get creative with stars, hearts, or seasonal shapes.
10. How do I make homemade caramel?
Heat 1 cup sugar in a saucepan until melted and golden, then stir in 6 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cool before using.
Caramel Hazelnut Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat that will impress everyone with their elegance and flavor. Enjoy making these beautiful cookies and sharing them with loved ones!