Heavenly Fudge Gingerbread Linzer Cookies Recipe for Holidays

Soft, buttery cookies wrapped in festive holiday spirit bring pure joy to the kitchen.

These delectable gingerbread linzer cookies capture the essence of winter warmth.

Aromatic spices dance through delicate, crisp dough, creating an irresistible treat that melts in you mouth.

Delicate cut-out shapes and a rich, sweet fudge filling make these cookies a stunning dessert centerpiece.

Dusted with powdered sugar, they sparkle like freshly fallen snow.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and comfort.

Bake a batch and watch smiles light up the room.

Why Fudge Gingerbread Linzer Cookies Are a Holiday Hit

• Create delightful memories while baking these intricate yet enjoyable gingerbread cookies together, perfect for holiday bonding and skill-building.
• Learn professional-level baking skills like precise dough rolling, cutting decorative shapes, and crafting homemade fudge filling with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Serve stunning sandwich cookies featuring delicate cutout designs and rich chocolate center that look professionally made but are surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Easily adapt cookie shapes, adjust spice levels, and experiment with different filling variations to match personal taste preferences and seasonal celebrations.

Everything You Need for Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for creating a tender and structured cookie.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that provide a classic gingerbread flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a smooth, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure and caramelization.
• Molasses: Delivers deep, dark sweetness and signature gingerbread color.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, rich base for the fudge filling.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy fudge texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides intense chocolate flavor to the fudge.
• Chocolate: Gives the fudge a rich, decadent finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting the top cookies with a delicate, sweet coating.

Must Have Tools for Fudge Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps evenly mix flour and spices.
• Rolling Pin: Ensures dough rolls out evenly to 1/8
• Cookie Cutters: Creates festive shapes with decorative holes.
• Baking Sheets: Provides flat surface for baking cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking during baking.
• Small Saucepan: Used for making rich fudge filling.
• Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag: Helps neatly spread fudge on cookies.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy.
• Offset Spatula or Knife: Useful for spreading and transferring cookies.

Gingerbread Linzer Cookie Baking Directions

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, along with a pinch of salt.

Ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly combined to create a perfect base for your cookies.

Step 2: Create Magical Cookie Dough

In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy.

Pour in rich molasses, crack in a fresh egg, and add a splash of vanilla extract.

Gradually fold in the previously whisked dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth, fragrant dough forms.

Step 3: Chill and Rest the Dough

Shape the dough into a neat ball, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap, and tuck it into the refrigerator.

Let the dough rest and develop its flavors for at least 3 hours or overnight for maximum taste.

Step 4: Shape Whimsical Cookie Cutouts

Roll out the chilled dough to a delicate 1/8-inch thickness.

Use festive cookie cutters to create your shapes, making sure to cut decorative holes in half of the cookies.

Pop the cut cookies into the freezer while you preheat the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookies into a preheated 350°F oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to ensure even browning.

Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Craft Decadent Chocolate Fudge

• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Honey
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder

• Rich chocolate
• Vanilla extract

Let the fudge cool and thicken slightly.

Step 7: Assemble Stunning Linzer Cookies

Dust the top cookies with a delicate layer of powdered sugar.

Pipe the luxurious chocolate fudge onto the bottom cookies.

Carefully sandwich the two halves together, creating a beautiful, indulgent treat that combines spicy warmth and chocolate richness.

Tips and Tricks for Gingerbread Linzer Cookie Success

• Add extra ground ginger or cinnamon for a bolder, warmer flavor profile that enhances the traditional gingerbread taste.
• Refrigerating dough longer than 3 hours helps cookies maintain sharp edges and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use rolling pin rings or wooden dowels to ensure consistent 1/8-inch thickness for uniform, professional-looking cookies.
• Let chocolate mixture cool slightly before piping to achieve a smooth, spreadable texture that won't run or drip.
• Sift powdered sugar over cookies for an even, light dusting that looks elegant and prevents clumping.

Gingerbread Linzer Cookie Tasty Variations

• Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to accommodate dairy allergies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
• Vegan Friendly: Replace egg with flax egg and use plant-based chocolate for a completely vegan gingerbread cookie experience.

Ways to Share Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

• Holiday Gifting: Wrap these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a charming homemade present that spreads delicious cheer.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and dusted powdered sugar for an elegant holiday display.
• Cozy Teatime Companion: Pair these spiced linzer cookies with warm mulled cider or rich hot chocolate for a comforting winter afternoon treat.
• Festive Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning cookie tower by stacking the cookies in alternating layers, showcasing the beautiful chocolate filling and delicate cutout design.

How to Keep Gingerbread Linzer Cookies Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve texture.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp edges and soft center. Let cool completely before serving to maintain optimal taste and texture.

FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gingerbread cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it wrapped in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle.

• Do I need special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need basic baking tools like a rolling pin, cookie cutters with small holes, baking sheets, and a saucepan for the fudge filling.

• How can I ensure my cookies are evenly rolled?

Use rolling pin guides or wooden dowels on either side of the dough to maintain a consistent 1/8″ thickness. This helps create uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Fudge Gingerbread Linzer Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gingerbread linzer cookies combine holiday warmth with chocolate fudge centers, creating a delightful seasonal treat. Festive spices and rich chocolate make these cookies irresistible for winter gatherings and sweet celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup (170g) chopped dark chocolate or semi-sweet
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Wet Ingredients and Fudge Components:

• 1/3 cup (73g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup honey or light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup (66g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (20g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well-blended.
3. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a cohesive dough. Shape into a compact disk, wrap securely in plastic film, and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to firm up.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut cookie shapes, creating decorative cutouts in half the cookies for tops. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets and briefly freeze to maintain shape.
5. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, rotating sheet midway through, until edges turn slightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
6. For fudge filling, combine heavy cream, butter, honey, brown sugar, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Simmer gently, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, whisk in chocolate and vanilla until glossy and smooth.
7. Dust cookie tops with powdered sugar. Spread generous chocolate fudge on bottom cookies, carefully sandwich with decorated tops, creating elegant linzer-style cookies.

Notes

• Make Ahead Dough can be prepared and chilled up to 3 days in advance, saving time during holiday baking rush.
• Spice Intensity Adjust ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg quantities to match personal flavor preferences or family traditions.
• Gluten-Free Option Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version without compromising rich texture.
• Decoration Variation Use festive cookie cutters or create custom window designs to make each cookie uniquely charming and personal.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg