Cookie season may be the best moment of the year, even though it happens several times a year. I bake my favorite sweets every month, but the holiday season brings even more cookies. Suddenly, they’ve become a special weekend baking project, a gift to drop off on your neighbor’s slouch, and a joy to share with friends along with hot chocolate. These Chocolate Orange Shortbread Linzer Cookies just might be the tastiest treat of any season.
If you haven’t grown up eating nostalgic chocolate orange slices wrapped in foil, take a moment to tell a poetic story. The combination of chocolate sweetness and bright bitter orange is the ultimate flavor pairing. And when the holiday he was planning a cookie exchange and a recipe to share with everyone, chocolate he knew he had to pay tribute to his orange memories. These cookies are delicious, easier than they look, and very impressive to everyone you share.
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What is a Linzer cookie?
Linzer cookies are the ultimate sandwich cookie.They are traditional austrian recipe Accommodates sandwich cookies filled with light spices and jam. And while mine is far from traditional, the formula is the same.
My cookie leans towards the buttery taste of shortbread and is mottled with orange zest for an added burst of flavor. Add a little. If you prefer, you can mix in the ganache and use jam instead, or you can use orange curd if you want the full orange flavor.
Tips for making shortbread rinser cookies
Making sandwich cookies with lots of butter can be a challenge. Each cookie should be the same size. Spreading in the oven is heaven. But don’t worry. I learned a few tricks to make this step even easier. Tip: Your refrigerator will be your best friend.
This fabric starts out pretty soft. To cut into sandwich cookies, the dough he puts on one sheet of parchment paper and the other he puts on top. Sandwich the dough between two sheets and roll out to desired thickness with a rolling pin. Not only does this keep batter from sticking to pins and counters, it also minimizes cleanup. Next, put the flattened dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to harden it completely. Bake immediately.
The harder the dough, the easier it is to cut and the less likely the cookies will spread in the oven. They hold their shape nicely and make the perfect cookie sandwich.
How to make chocolate ganache?
I’m a fan of shortcuts in the kitchen. For ganache, heat milk or cream in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time. Then pour into a bowl of chopped chocolate and wait for the chocolate to melt. Stir together until smooth and thick.
If the ganache is too thin, add more chopped chocolate to thicken it or leave it in the refrigerator. At worst, smear it on melted chocolate and finish it off. Believe me, these shortbread linzer cookies are delicious either way.
For even more flavor, add a dash of orange peel or Grand Marnier to tie in a bright, citrusy bite.
Other holiday recipes to bring to your cookie swap
While I take these shortbread linzer cookies to holiday cookie exchanges, I’m keeping a few others for all of my gatherings this season.
these are Chocolate Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream.
Slice and bake cookies with cranberries, pistachios, and white chocolate are a crowd favorite.
I have been making these ginger molasses cookies for the last two years and they are always a hit.
If nothing satisfies your sweet craving, get our free Holiday Cookie Guide. This guide includes his 10 recipes from your favorite food blogger and recipe developer.
Scroll through the recipes and be sure to leave a rating and review and tag us when you make these chocolate orange shortbread rinser cookies. You can see yours on Instagram.
