If you’re a fan of sweet, nutty, and perfectly spiced treats, these Hazelnut Linzer Cookies will steal your heart. The delicate buttery cookies, with their soft and crumbly texture, are filled with the perfect amount of fruit jam, creating the most irresistible bite. Plus, the scent of freshly baked cookies filled with warm, nutty hazelnuts and fruity sweetness is enough to make anyone’s day. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Hazelnut Linzer Cookies
These Hazelnut Linzer Cookies aren’t just any cookie—they’re little moments of joy. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon tea or sharing them with family and friends, these cookies make everything a little sweeter. Here’s why they’re a hit:
Versatile: These cookies can fit any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a gift, or just because, they’ll make any moment feel extra special.
Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. No need for fancy or expensive items to create a delicious treat—this recipe proves that simple can be spectacular.
Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, so even novice bakers can pull these off with ease. Plus, they come together fairly quickly, which means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy your treat.
Customizable: You can get creative with the jam you choose for the filling! Raspberry, apricot, or even strawberry—whatever flavor you’re feeling will work perfectly.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for kids or adults, everyone loves these cookies. They’re the perfect little treat to satisfy a sweet tooth and look adorable on any dessert platter.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
Hazelnuts: The nutty base of these cookies. Toasted and ground, they give the dough a warm, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the jam.
Butter: The buttery richness that makes the cookies so tender and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the rich, nutty flavors and help the cookies hold together.
Flour: A must-have to give the cookies structure while keeping them light and crumbly.
Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds a little richness.
Jam: The filling that brings these cookies together. Choose your favorite jam—raspberry or apricot are classic choices.
Vanilla Extract: For a hint of vanilla flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top and making these cookies look extra elegant.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making these heavenly cookies:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake perfectly, golden brown and crisp.
Toast the Hazelnuts: Place your hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant. This step brings out the nutty flavors. Once toasted, chop them finely.
Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, ground hazelnuts, and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter for the base, and a smaller round cutter or a heart-shaped cutter for the center of half the cookies. This creates the iconic Linzer look.
Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they bake fast!
Assemble the Cookies: Once cooled, spread a thin layer of your chosen jam on the flat side of each base cookie. Top with the cookie that has the cut-out center, and gently press them together. Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy finish.
Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully in an airtight container.
How to Serve Hazelnut Linzer Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few extra touches:
Coffee or Tea: These cookies are a match made in heaven with your favorite cup of tea or a rich cup of coffee.
Gifting: Package them up in a cute tin or box, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for friends or family.
With Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist on the classic cookie sandwich.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dough the day before and chill it overnight for a super simple bake the next day.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth, especially around the holidays.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking.
Storage Tips: Keep your cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for later enjoyment.
Double the Batch: These cookies freeze beautifully! You can make extra batches and store them in the freezer to pull out whenever you need a sweet treat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut?
A1: Yes, you can use almonds or walnuts if hazelnuts aren’t your thing, but the flavor will change slightly.
Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! The dough can be prepared the night before, and the cookies store well for up to a week.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: Yes! You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Just make sure they are wrapped tightly.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
A5: You can serve them at room temperature, or gently warm them in the oven for a couple of minutes if you prefer.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! If you’re making cookies for a crowd or want to stock up for later, doubling the recipe is a great idea.
Q7: Can I use a different type of jam?
A7: Yes, any jam you like will work, but raspberry or apricot are traditional favorites.
Q8: Can I add chocolate to these cookies?
A8: Oh, definitely! A drizzle of chocolate or adding a little cocoa to the dough can make these even more decadent.
Q9: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A9: Make sure the dough is cold before baking, and don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the cookies hold their shape.
Q10: Are these cookies easy to make gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Just substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
These Hazelnut Linzer Cookies are everything you want in a treat—delicate, delicious, and just a little bit fancy. They’re perfect for any occasion, and trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to bake a batch every week. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and enjoy every bite of these delightful cookies!
Print
Hazelnut Linzer Cookies
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 sandwich cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These spiced Hazelnut Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Austrian treat. With a buttery, nutty dough infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar, they make an irresistible festive dessert! #LinzerCookies #HolidayBaking #HazelnutCookies #ChristmasCookies
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup whole raw hazelnuts
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- For Assembly:
- About 3/4 cup jam or marmalade
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the Gingerbread Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Coffee Soak:
- Brush the cooled cakes with the brewed coffee to infuse the gingerbread with a rich coffee flavor.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, beating until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer, then frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Decorate with a dusting of cinnamon, coffee beans, or holiday-themed sprinkles.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving for best results.
Notes
- Use your favorite jam flavors, such as raspberry, apricot, or marmalade.
- Dough can be made ahead and chilled overnight.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg