Raspberry Limoncello Linzers

The tangy brightness of Limoncello liqueur is balanced by these Raspberry Limoncello Linzers' rich, buttery base and a burst of sweet, flavorful jam.

Yield: 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups seedless raspberry jam
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons powdered egg whites
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup Limoncello liqueur

Instructions

1. In large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese and brown sugar using an electric mixer.
2. Add egg yolk and extracts; mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and cornstarch; mix just until blended.
4. Divide dough into two pieces, flatten into discs and wrap in plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate until firm, 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
7. On lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/8 inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
8. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges begin to brown and cookies are firm.
9. Cool cookies on sheet for 3 to 4 minutes.
10. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool completely.
11. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, bring raspberry jam to simmer over medium-high heat; insert candy thermometer. Simmer, stirring constantly, until jam reaches 225 degrees F; cook for 1 minute more.
12. Remove from heat, cool slightly.
13. Spread 1 heaping teaspoon jam in center of each cookie.
14. In medium bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and egg white powder.
15. Add lemon juice and zest; stir in Limoncello beginning with 1/2 cup, add more, if necessary, to reach desired consistency.
16. Pipe or drizzle cookies with frosting; allow frosting to set before serving or storing.
17. Store cookies in airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 1 week.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin