Ingredients
- 300 g wheat flour (type 700) or finely ground spelt flour
- 100 g ground almonds or hazelnuts
- 200 g cold butter, in pieces
- 120 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg (M)
- 200 g red currant or raspberry jam (smoothly strained)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation
- Knead shortcrust pastry: Mix flour, nuts, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Add butter pieces and egg, quickly knead into a smooth dough. Cover and chill for 60 minutes.
- Roll out & cut out: Preheat oven to 170 °C fan. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 3–4 mm thick. Cut out round cookies; in half, cut out three small holes in the center (“eyes”).
- Bake: Place on baking sheets and bake until light golden, 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Fill: Briefly warm smooth jam and spread thinly on whole bases. Set the lid with “eyes” on top, press gently.
- Finish: Dust with powdered sugar. Let sit for a few hours before serving – this makes Linzer Eyes particularly tender.
Tips & Variants
- Grind flour fresh: With a Salzburg grain mill you get fine whole grain flour and can control the grind – for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice Kick: Add 1 pinch of cinnamon or grated lemon peel to the dough.
- Gluten-free: Use a finely ground, gluten-free flour mix; chill a bit longer.
- Jam: Traditionally currant (blackcurrant), alternatively raspberry or apricot.
Storage
Store in tin boxes between layers of baking paper in a cool place. Linzer Eyes keep for 2–3 weeks and become particularly tender after 1–2 days.
More flavor with freshly ground flour
Grind fresh, bake finely: With the right mill, Linzer Eyes become incomparably fragrant.Read more about fresh whole grain flour & grind settings
FAQ about Linzer Eyes
Why is the dough so tender?
The high butter content, cool processing, and resting time ensure a tender bite. Nuts enhance the tender mouthfeel.
Which jam fits best?
Currant is classic – its acidity balances the sweetness. Raspberry brings fruit fullness, apricot mild sweetness.
How do Linzer Eyes remain shape-stable?
Chill dough well, work quickly, and do not roll out too thin. Bake briefly but hot, only light golden.
What advantages do grain mills offer for this recipe?
Fresh flour from a Salzburg grain mill provides more flavor, vitamins, and allows you to adjust the grind exactly.
Can I prepare and freeze Linzer Eyes?
Unfilled bases can be excellently frozen. Briefly thaw before filling and crisp up in the oven for 2–3 minutes.
