- Why did the Linzer get hard?
- You overworked the dough (gluten developed), or the butter melted while kneading.
- When will it soften?
- It's hard after baking, but will soften in 1-2 days from the jam and air humidity (hygroscopic effect).
Cinnamon and orange Linzer biscuits
The secret of Linzer dough is the 'short' texture. The large amount of butter coats the flour particles, preventing a tough structure from forming. The pair of orange and cinnamon instantly creates a Christmas atmosphere whenever you bake it.
Ingredients
250
g
plain flour
80
g
icing sugar (important, not granulated!)
1
tsp
ground cinnamon
0.5
tsp
baking powder
1
pinch
salt
150
g
butter (ice cold)
1
pc
egg yolk
1
pc
orange zest
150
g
tart jam (e.g. apricot or redcurrant)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Linzer cutters
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray with baking paper
- Fine grater
Allergen Information
Gluten
Milk
Eggs
Instructions
1
✓
Mix the flour, icing sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and orange zest.
Tip: Icing sugar makes the dough smoother; granulated sugar crystals would crunch in it.
2
✓
Cube the cold butter and rub it into the flour with quick movements until crumbly.
Tip: The goal is for the butter to coat the flour but not melt. This inhibits gluten formation. (Shortcrust principle)
3
✓
Add the egg yolk and quickly knead into a ball. Wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
Tip: During resting, the butter hardens again so the dough becomes rollable and non-sticky.
4
✓
Roll out to 3-4 mm thick on a floured surface. Cut out the shapes (half bases, half with holes).
Tip: Work quickly because if the dough warms up, it will tear.
5
✓
Bake at 180°C for 8-10 minutes. Careful, it burns quickly! Remove as soon as the edges just start to colour.
Tip: Due to high sugar content, it browns suddenly. (Caramelisation)
6
✓
Once cooled, stick the pairs together with jam and dust the tops with icing sugar.
Tip: The moisture of the jam will soften the biscuits.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 250 g plain flour
- 80 g icing sugar (important, not granulated!)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 150 g butter (ice cold)
- 1 pc egg yolk
- 1 pc orange zest
- 150 g tart jam (e.g. apricot or redcurrant)