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Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies

Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies

Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies combine a nutty shortbread cookie base with luscious salted caramel filling for a delightful sweet and salty treat. These elegant cookies feature a classic Linzer design, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a cozy snack. Easy to bake with simple ingredients, they offer melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavor options.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ground almonds or hazelnuts

Filling & Topping

  • Salted caramel sauce, for filling
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Begin by creaming softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually fold in all-purpose flour and ground nuts, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling makes it easier to roll out and helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
  3. Roll Out and Cut Cookies: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out solid bases and a matching cutter with a small heart or circle cutout for the cookie tops.
  4. Bake the Cookies: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely before assembly.
  5. Assemble with Salted Caramel: Spread a generous spoonful of salted caramel on each solid cookie base. Gently place the top cookie with the cutout window over the caramel, pressing lightly to sandwich them. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Chill both the dough and the cut cookies for cleaner edges and less spreading while baking.
  • Use quality caramel, homemade or store-bought, for the best flavor.
  • Avoid overbaking; cookies should be just lightly golden to maintain a tender texture.
  • Use cookie cutters with smooth edges to create the classic Linzer window design easily.
  • Ensure cookies are fully cooled before filling to prevent melting or sliding of the caramel.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Salted Caramel Linzer Cookies, nutty shortbread cookies, caramel filled cookies, holiday cookies, vegan adaptation, gluten free, nut-free version