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Linzer cookies with persimmon filling

Time2 hours
YieldsMakes 2 to 3 dozen cookies, depending on size
Linzer cookies with persimmon filling
(Calvin B. Alagot / Los Angeles Times)
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These Linzer cookies with persimmon filling were one of the five favorites of the Los Angeles Times’ seventh Holiday Cookie Bake-Off in 2017. For Alice Nishimoto, these Linzer cookies are a creative way to use the abundance of persimmons that family and friends share with her this time of year. “I’ve always made persimmon bread, but this year, I decided to experiment a little and I decided to make a persimmon jam,” she says. “I thought, why not use it in my favorite cookie, the Linzer cookie?”

From the story: Need a holiday cookie recipe? Our Holiday Cookie Bake-off finalists can help

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Persimmon filling

1

Peel the persimmons and cut each fruit into sixths.

2

In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil. Boil the mixture for a minute or so, then add the persimmons, along with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the persimmons are very soft, 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

3

Strain the persimmons and place in a food processor, leaving the liquid in the pan. Pulse the persimmons until no large pieces remain. Return the persimmons back to the pan with the liquid. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to purée the persimmons in the pan.

4

Add the remaining lemon juice, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook at a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thickened to a jam-like consistency, 10 to 15 minutes. This makes a scant 2 cups filling, more than enough for the cookies.

1

Heat the oven to 375 degrees.

2

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.

3

Beat in the flour, then the ground nuts. If it becomes too difficult to add the flour or nuts using the mixer, continue stirring in by hand until combined.

4

Gently knead the dough, by hand, in the bowl until it holds together. Divide the dough in half. (If at any time the dough feels overly soft, cover and chill it until firm enough to handle.)

5

On a lightly floured surface, roll one-half of the dough until it is a little less than 1/4-inch thick. Cut out the dough using a 2-inch to 3-inch round cutter. Repeat with the remaining dough.

6

Using a 1-inch star-shaped cutter, cut out the center of half of the rounds (save the dough from the cutouts to make more rounds until all of the dough is used).

7

Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake until the edges are very lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.

8

Spread a thin layer of persimmon filling over each of the whole cookies, then top with one of the “window” cookies. For an additional decorative touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the windows before topping.

Adapted from a recipe provided by Alice Nishimoto, who writes, “Some people like to remove the skins from the nuts before processing. You can warm nuts in the oven before processing, place in a towel, and then rub vigorously. I have used the nuts without removing the skin for walnuts and pecans. I recommend removing some of the skin for the hazelnuts.”