- All-Purpose Flour (for gluten-free, substitute with almond flour)
- Unsalted Butter (room temperature for easier creaming)
- Granulated Sugar (use organic if preferred for better flavor)
- Eggs (2 large eggs)
- Lemon Zest (optional for additional citrus flavor)
- Vanilla Extract (a teaspoon for added depth of flavor)
- Cornstarch (helps to keep cookies tender and prevents them from becoming too crumbly)
Keywords:
- Cranberry ginger linzer torte
- Cookie recipe ingredients
- Gluten-free alternatives
- Organic baking supplies
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Steps
### Cranberry Ginger Linzer Torte Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction to Cranberry Ginger Linzer Torte Cookies
Cranberry ginger linzer torte cookies are a delightful blend of tangy cranberries, warming spices, and a classic shortbread dough that forms the perfect crust. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their distinctive lattice top. This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (8 oz or 227g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (4 oz or 113g)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (6.75 oz or 190g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (about 55g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter with a 3-inch round shape
- Parchment paper
#### Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Ginger Linzer Torte Cookies
1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Workspace**
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
4. **Add Wet Ingredients**
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
5. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients**
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the cranberries and grated ginger until evenly distributed.
6. **Divide Dough for Easy Handling**
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each part into a disk.
- Wrap each disk tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
7. **Roll Out the Dough**
- After chilling, remove one disk from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough disk into a circle approximately 1/4 inch thick (about 8 inches in diameter).
8. **Cut Out Cookies**
- Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the rolled-out dough.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
9. **Make Lattice Tops**
- Roll out the remaining dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use it to create lattice strips for topping each cookie.
- Carefully place the lattice strips over one half of the cut-out circles, creating a crisscross pattern. Press lightly to secure.
10. **Bake the Cookies**
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the bottoms are slightly pale.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. **Enjoy Your Cranberry Ginger Linzer Torte Cookies!**
- Once cooled, these cookies can be enjoyed as is or served with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
#### Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter and dough are properly chilled; this prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- For best results, use dried cranberries that have been patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
#### Conclusion
These Cranberry Ginger Linzer Torte Cookies are a perfect combination of classic shortbread with a modern twist. The warm spices and tart cranberries create a delightful flavor profile, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or as an anytime treat. Experiment with different spice blends or cranberry varieties to customize your recipe according to your taste preferences.
By following these detailed steps, you can easily make this delicious and attractive dessert at home. Happy baking!