Nov 15

Nov 15 Martha Stewart's Classic Holiday Cookie Recipe + Gift Idea

Certain faces represent the holiday season, especially among those who thrive off creativity. These go-to celebrities share their favorite recipes, designs, and tips in the kitchen or craft room — including Martha Stewart, a symbol of the holidays and all things related to gracious living.

With Thanksgiving around the corner and the holiday season ahead, start thinking about new recipes that complement or offer a new take on your traditional dishes. Even the simplest recipe, like a Linzer cookie, can set the stage for a sweeter holiday.

If you're interested in trying something different, there are few people better to follow into the kitchen than Martha.

Martha Continues to Spread Joy

When it comes to Martha's creations, her attention to detail and creativity are what sets her apart.

Although her Linzer cookies and other holiday favorites can look challenging, Martha has a way of making each recipe approachable. That is what makes her such a joy to follow. Whether you're interested in Thanksgiving crafts and cooking how-tos or Christmas gift and party ideas, Martha has long spread holiday joy to millions in the United States and beyond.

There's no shortage of holiday cookie recipes and tips if you're a cookie fan. However, Martha also has you covered if you want something more specific, like Thanksgiving appetizers or New Year's Eve party ideas.

Martha Inspires In and Out of the Kitchen

Martha knows how to whip up an amazing batch of cookies or a holiday feast, but her talents don't end there.

One area where Martha offers plenty of inspiration is in the gift-giving department. She understands the value of a quality, meaningful gift — like photo books. So much so that she partnered with Mixbook to offer a unique collection. Martha's designs are a lot like her — elegant, thoughtful, and memorable.

If you have a loved one who loves to cook or would appreciate a collection of family recipes, the Recipe Photo Book by Martha Stewart is a great gift. You can customize every page to create a one-of-a-kind gift your loved one will cherish. Add stickers, captions, and backgrounds to make it your own.

Ready to Try Making Linzer Cookie Sandwiches?

Linzer cookies are a buttery, jam-filled European sandwich cookie — an adaptation of the Linzer torte.

These cookies are as stunning as they are tasty. Try them for yourself — who knows, they may become a family tradition!

Yields: 16 cookies

Source: Martha Stewart Linzer Cookies

You'll Need

5 ounces hazelnuts (approximately 1 cup)
½ pound unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups + 2 tbl all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp table salt
Confectioners' sugar (for dusting)
⅔ cup cherry or raspberry jam (or use your favorite)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet — toast in the oven for ten minutes. Remove from oven (immediately transfer nuts to a clean towel) and rub to remove skins. Set nuts aside until completely cool. With a food processor, process the nuts until finely ground.
Beat sugar and butter for approximately two minutes using your electric mixer's paddle attachment. It should be light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until smooth — around 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla.
Whisk together the dry ingredients — hazelnuts, baking powder, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Add that combination to the butter mixture and beat on low until combined (about two minutes). Form dough into two disks, wrap each with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (at least one hour or overnight).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Grab a 3-inch round fluted cookie cutter and an approximately 3/4-inch cookie cutter (you can opt for a round cutter or a shape — such as a small star or tree. Roll out half the dough until it is around 1/4-inch thick (on a lightly floured work surface).
Cut out cookies using the 3-inch fluted cutter. Transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheets using a wide spatula. With the smaller cutter, cut the centers out of half of the cookies (these will be the tops). Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the other half of the dough.
Bake until the edges are golden, 12-16 minutes, depending on your oven, rotating halfway through. Remove the cookies from the oven and place on wire racks to cool.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, lightly sift confectioners' sugar over the tops. Spread a tablespoon of jam on the cookie bottoms and sandwich with the sugar-dusted tops.