Get ready to fall in love with these delicious, buttery Linzer Cookies. These little treats are not only a visual delight with their delicate cut-out center revealing vibrant jam, but they’re also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just as a sweet indulgence, trust me, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. They’re the perfect combination of crisp, buttery goodness and fruity sweetness, and once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop at just one.
Why You’ll Love Linzer Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for a homemade treat, these cookies are versatile and just plain delicious. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Great for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to treat yourself or others to something special. You can even change up the jam flavor for variety. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot are all wonderful choices.
Budget-Friendly: With ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, Linzer Cookies are a low-cost yet impressive way to treat yourself and your loved ones. It’s all about the technique—and the result is more than worth it!
Quick and Easy: The dough comes together quickly, and while they need a bit of chilling time, the hands-on prep is minimal. You’ll love how easy these are to make!
Customizable: Switch up the jam or add a little almond extract to the dough to make it your own. These cookies are a perfect blank canvas for your flavor creativity.
Crowd-Pleasing: Their gorgeous presentation and sweet flavor will have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re the perfect gift for friends, neighbors, or anyone who deserves a sweet treat.
Ingredients
These Linzer Cookies may seem fancy, but they’re made with basic ingredients you probably have on hand. Let’s take a look:
Butter: Unsalted butter makes for a tender, flaky dough. It’s the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and adds to that lovely golden color.
Almond Flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps give these cookies their signature texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The main flour helps give structure to the dough while allowing it to remain soft and crumbly.
Egg Yolk: The yolk gives the dough a rich texture and helps bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract: A little bit of vanilla goes a long way in elevating the flavor profile of these cookies.
Ground Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the dough.
Jam: Raspberry or your favorite fruit jam. The jam is what makes these cookies irresistible—don’t skimp on the quality!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these elegant, mouth-watering cookies:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want the oven nice and hot, so your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden hue.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and mix until combined. Gradually add the almond flour and all-purpose flour, mixing until a dough forms. It should be soft and slightly crumbly.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will make it easier to roll out and prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking.
4. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the bottom half of the cookies. Then, use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the center of half of the cookies, creating a window for the jam.
5. Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—they bake quickly!
6. Assemble the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread a small amount of your favorite jam on the solid cookies. Then, place the cut-out cookies on top, gently pressing down so the jam peeks through the window.
7. Powdered Sugar: Dust the top of the cookies with powdered sugar for that signature “snowy” look. This final touch gives them a classic, elegant appearance.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these beauties at your next gathering or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re the perfect little treat for any occasion!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
How to Serve Linzer Cookies
These cookies are absolutely perfect for any event, from a casual afternoon to a fancy holiday gathering. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
With Tea or Coffee: There’s something about the delicate, sweet flavor of Linzer Cookies that pairs so perfectly with a warm beverage. Serve them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even hot cocoa.
As Part of a Cookie Platter: Mix and match these cookies with other holiday favorites like gingerbread, shortbread, or sugar cookies. The contrast in flavors and textures will make your cookie platter a hit!
For Gifting: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or cellophane bag, and they make an adorable homemade gift for neighbors, friends, or coworkers.
After a Meal: Serve these sweet, buttery cookies as a light dessert to end any meal. Their small size makes them perfect for nibbling!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.
Spice It Up: If you want to experiment, try adding a little almond extract to the dough for an extra nutty kick.
Use Quality Jam: The jam is the star of these cookies, so choose one with a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Homemade jam is even better if you’ve got it on hand!
Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for a while.
Freezing Option: These cookies freeze well. After assembling, freeze the unbaked cookies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready for a fresh batch.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of jam?
A1: Absolutely! Raspberry is traditional, but you can use strawberry, apricot, or even fig jam for a unique twist.
Q2: Can I make the dough in advance?
A2: Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Q3: How do I store these cookies?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Q4: Can I freeze Linzer Cookies?
A4: Yes! Freeze the cookies (either baked or unbaked) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake or thaw them as needed.
Q5: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A5: Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out and use parchment paper on your baking sheet. The chilled dough will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Q6: Can I make these without almond flour?
A6: You can replace almond flour with all-purpose flour, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly. Almond flour adds a distinct nuttiness and helps with the crumbly texture.
Q7: Can I use a different cutter shape for the center?
A7: Definitely! Feel free to get creative and use heart-shaped, star-shaped, or even square cutters for a fun twist.
Q8: What’s the best way to cut out the dough?
A8: Use a sharp, clean cookie cutter and make sure to press firmly to ensure a clean cut. You can also lightly flour the cutter to avoid sticking.
Q9: How can I make the cookies extra festive?
A9: Try adding colored sugar or edible glitter on top of the powdered sugar to give them a little extra holiday sparkle.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies for a party or gift-giving!
Conclusion
These Linzer Cookies are everything you could want in a sweet treat—flaky, buttery, jam-filled perfection that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (we won’t judge!), they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Linzer Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Linzer Cookies feature a delicate, buttery almond-flavored dough filled with your favorite jam. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these sandwich cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious! Perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (85 g) almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Filling & Topping:
- 1/2 cup jam (any kind)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Mix until the dough forms and no dry streaks remain.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C for a fan oven. Line 4 cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Roll & Cut the Cookies: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, cutting half with a small “window” in the center.
- Bake: Carefully transfer cookies to baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cookies: Flip the solid cookies upside down, spread a thin layer of jam, and press a cutout cookie on top.
- Finish: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use a variety of jams for different flavors. Raspberry, apricot, and strawberry work beautifully.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For crispier cookies, bake for an extra minute or two, but watch closely to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg