Name: Quick Linzer cookies with meringue and jam: ideal even at the last minute
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 400 g plain flour; 200 g butter; 3 egg yolks; 15 g vanilla sugar; 80 g powdered sugar; 2 pinches of salt; grated lemon zest to taste; 3 egg whites; 200 g granulated sugar; jam to taste (e.g. currant or apricot); chopped walnuts for sprinkling

Preparation procedure

Preparation of the dough: Sift the flour into a bowl and add the butter cut into pieces. Rub with your fingers until you obtain a crumbly texture. Then add the yolks, vanilla sugar, powdered sugar, salt and lemon zest. Work into a smooth dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Preparation of the meringue: Heat the egg whites with the sugar over a double boiler and stir until the sugar dissolves (about 8–10 minutes). Then remove the mixture from the heat and whisk until a thick, glossy meringue forms (approx. 7–8 minutes).
Shaping and baking: Roll the dough between two sheets of baking paper into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Cut out circles 4–5 cm in diameter and transfer them to a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 165 °C for about 13 minutes, until the cookies are lightly browned.
Decorating: Let the baked rounds cool slightly. Then pipe the meringue onto them using a piping bag, leaving a hole in the center for the jam. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and return to the oven to dry at 80 °C for about 40 minutes.
Finishing: After cooling, place a teaspoon of jam in the center of the meringue ring. Let the cookies dry briefly and you can serve them immediately.

Preparation time and number of servings

Active time: 40 minutes
Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: approx. 40–45 pieces

Conclusion

This Linzer cookies with meringue and jam combines the delicacy of the classic dough with a fluffy meringue topping and fruity freshness. It is beautiful to look at, tastes excellent and also keeps for a long time. If you are looking for a recipe that is quick, impressive and tasty, this one will become your Christmas favorite.