By Elina 
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen, especially when those cookies are infused with the bright, zesty flavors of fresh oranges! These Orange Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat—rich, buttery, and perfectly crisp, with a nutty undertone from hazelnut meal. Whether you enjoy them plain or transform them into beautiful Linzer cookies with a jam filling, these treats are perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Delicate & Buttery: These shortbread cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Nutty & Citrusy: The combination of hazelnuts and fresh orange zest creates a beautifully balanced flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or as jam-filled Linzer cookies.
Now, let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shortbread Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp clarified butter (ghee) (room temperature)
- 4 tbsp vanilla sugar (or castor sugar)
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¼ cup hazelnut meal (or almond meal)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
For the Linzer Cookies (Optional):
- ½ cup fruit jam (such as raspberry or apricot)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter, ghee, and sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy.
- Mix in the fresh orange zest and hazelnut meal until well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gently fold in the all-purpose flour until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Roll & Cut the Cookies
- Divide the dough into 2 to 3 portions for easier handling.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ cm thickness for classic shortbread cookies. If making Linzer cookies, roll the dough slightly thinner.
- Use cookie cutters to shape the dough. If making Linzer cookies, cut smaller shapes in the center of half of the cookies.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the thicker cookies for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Bake the thinner Linzer cookies for about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they bake faster.
Step 4: Assemble the Linzer Cookies (If Making)
- Let the cookies cool completely.
- Sift powdered sugar over the cut-out cookies for a beautiful snowy effect.
- Spread ½ teaspoon of jam on the plain cookies and gently press the cut-out cookies on top.
Final Touches & Storing Tips
- These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Linzer cookies are best enjoyed within a few days as they soften over time.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cookies!
These Orange Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies are a perfect treat for the holiday season, afternoon tea, or any time you crave something buttery and delicious. Whether you keep them simple or go the extra step with a jam filling, they are sure to impress!
Will you be making these cookies for a special occasion? Let me know in the comments below! 😊
Servings
15 minutes
Preparing Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Calories
90 kcal
INGREDIENTS
For the Shortbread Cookies:
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 tbsp clarified butter (ghee) (room temperature)
4 tbsp vanilla sugar (or castor sugar)
Zest of 1 orange
¼ cup hazelnut meal (or almond meal)
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
For the Linzer Cookies (Optional):
½ cup fruit jam (such as raspberry or apricot)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
DIRECTION
Prepare the Dough Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter, ghee, and sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy. Mix in the fresh orange zest and hazelnut meal until well combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gently fold in the all-purpose flour until the dough comes together.
Roll & Cut the Cookies Divide the dough into 2 to 3 portions for easier handling. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ cm thickness for classic shortbread cookies. If making Linzer cookies, roll the dough slightly thinner. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough. If making Linzer cookies, cut smaller shapes in the center of half of the cookies.
Bake to Perfection Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the thicker cookies for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Bake the thinner Linzer cookies for about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they bake faster.
Assemble the Linzer Cookies (If Making) Let the cookies cool completely. Sift powdered sugar over the cut-out cookies for a beautiful snowy effect. Spread ½ teaspoon of jam on the plain cookies and gently press the cut-out cookies on top.
NOTES
These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Linzer cookies are best enjoyed within a few days as they soften over time.