Linzer cookies in the air fryer – a modern take on a classic Christmas cookie
Linzer cookies in the air fryer are one of the best-loved Austrian Christmas cookies. By making them in an air fryer, you can create a new interpretation of this traditional delicacy. This article looks at why you should try Linzer cookies in the air fryer, what they mean as a Christmas tradition, and how you can vary and decorate them in creative ways.
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents
- Why make Linzer cookies in the air fryer?
- Linzer cookies as a Christmas tradition in Austria and Germany
- Austrian Christmas cookies as part of the festive cosiness
- Variations on Linzer cookies
- Filling alternatives
- Changes to the dough
- Gluten-free version
- How to decorate Linzer cookies
- Linzer cookies in the air fryer – in short
- FAQ
Why make Linzer cookies in the air fryer?
Linzer cookies are known for their delicate butter shortcrust dough and jam filling. The air fryer offers a unique way of baking the cookies that preserves their crisp texture and at the same time ensures an even bake.
By using the air fryer for Austrian Christmas cookies, you can:
- Achieve a perfect balance between crispness and tenderness.
- Adjust the baking time precisely, so the cookies don’t turn out too dry.
- Experiment with temperatures to bring out the flavour of the individual ingredients.
When you make Linzer cookies in an air fryer, the flavour of both the dough and the filling is enhanced, because the air circulation ensures even heat distribution. The result is cookies that melt in the mouth while still having a crunchy texture.
Linzer cookies as a Christmas tradition in Austria and Germany
In Germany, Linzer cookies are a fixture of Christmas traditions. The cookies originate in Austria, but have found their way onto German coffee tables, especially in the Advent season. They stand for cosiness, togetherness and the warm atmosphere that Christmas brings.
Austrian Christmas cookies as part of the festive cosiness
- Christmas baking: Baking Linzer cookies is often a family tradition, where generations gather to cut out the cookies and fill them with jam.
- Advent and cookies: In Germany, Linzer cookies are often served on Advent Sundays as part of a cookie platter with other Christmas classics.
- As a gift: The cookies are also a popular gift, especially when packed in nice boxes or bags, which makes them a personal and homemade Christmas greeting.
The cookies are not just a dessert, but a symbol of the cosy, warm moments that belong to Christmas. Their look – with the characteristic holes, either one large or three small, that reveal the filling – also makes them decorative and inviting.
Variations on Linzer cookies
Although the classic Linzer cookie with raspberry jam is a favourite, you can also experiment with different variations to give the cookies a personal touch.
Filling alternatives
- Apricot jam: Gives a sweet and mild flavour that goes perfectly with the shortcrust dough.
- Blackcurrant jam: A tart contrast that makes the cookies extra exciting.
- Chocolate cream: Perfect for chocolate lovers and a hit with children.
Changes to the dough
- Almond flour: Increase the amount of almond flour for a more intense nutty flavour.
- Cocoa powder: Add a little cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
- Spices: Try adding cinnamon or cardamom for an extra Christmas flavour.
Gluten-free version
Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure the jam is gluten-free too. The result is just as delicious and crisp.
Try adding a thin layer of marzipan under the jam. Roll the marzipan out very thinly and cut it to the same size as the cookies. Place the marzipan on top of the bottom half of the cookie before you spread on the jam.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
How to decorate Linzer cookies
Decorating Linzer cookies can take them to a new level and make them even more inviting. Here are some creative suggestions:
- Icing sugar: The classic dusting of icing sugar is always elegant and highlights the fine shape of the cookies.
- Chocolate decoration: Dip the cookies in melted chocolate or pipe stripes with a piping bag.
- Coloured icing: Use icing in red, green or white to create a Christmassy mood.
- Sugar balls: Small sugar pearls or edible glitter give a festive effect.
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios over the chocolate for both decoration and extra flavour.
By experimenting with the decoration, you can make Linzer cookies that suit any occasion and style.
Linzer cookies in the air fryer – in short
Linzer cookies in the air fryer are a lovely way to reinterpret a classic Christmas cookie. The air fryer ensures even baking that brings out the flavour and texture of the cookies. At the same time, this method opens up creative variations and decorations that can make the cookies even more personal.
FAQ
The butter needs to firm up again so the dough can be rolled out 3 mm thin without sticking, and the cookies hold their shape in the air fryer. If the dough gets soft while you are cutting out the cookies, put it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
After 7–8 minutes at 160 °C, when the edges are lightly golden and the rest of the cookie is still pale. They are soft when they come out, so let them cool completely on a wire rack before you assemble them.
They keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight tin at room temperature. The jam soaks slightly into the cookies, so they become more tender after a day or two. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months – preferably without icing sugar.
Recipe
Linzer cookies in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Cost of the dish
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Airfryer size
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Recommended equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter - round, approx. 6 cm + a small one for the hole
- Parchment paper
- Piping bag - optional, for the jam
- Kitchen scale
- Cooling rack
Shopping list
Ingredients
- 150 g plain flour
- 50 g almond flour
- 100 g butter (cold, cubed)
- 50 g icing sugar
- 1 pcs egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- 100 g raspberry jam
- Icing sugar for decoration
How to make it
Prepare the dough:
- Mix 150 g plain flour, 50 g almond flour, 50 g icing sugar and 1 tsp vanilla sugar in a bowl.
- Rub 100 g butter into the mixture, add 1 pcs egg yolk and quickly bring the dough together.
- Let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Shape the cookies:
- Roll the dough out on a floured work surface to a thickness of approx. 3 mm.
- Cut out circles approx. 6 cm across. Cut a hole of approx. 2 cm – or the classic 3 small holes – in the centre of half of the circles.
Baking:
- Place 8–9 circles at a time on a piece of baking paper cut to fit the bottom of the basket, and lower it into the air fryer. Bake in batches, and keep the rest of the cookies chilled in the meantime.
- Bake at 160 °C for 7–8 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden – the rest of the cookie should stay pale.Start the online kitchen timer here
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Fill and assemble:
- Dust Icing sugar for decoration over the circles with a hole. Spread 100 g raspberry jam on the circles without a hole.
- Place a circle with a hole on top and press together gently.
Decorate:
- If you like, fill the hole with a little extra jam – preferably with a piping bag – so the ‘eye’ shines red.
Our notes for the recipe
– The jam can be replaced with another flavour, if you like.
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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