Strawberry Linzer Cookies

If you’ve ever bitten into a Linzer cookie, you know they’re pure magic—delicate, buttery, nutty cookies sandwiched together with sweet, fruity jam and a dusting of powdered sugar that looks as good as it tastes. These Strawberry Linzer Cookies are that perfect combination of elegance and comfort, ideal for holidays, tea time, or any day you feel like treating yourself. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.

They have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a gentle almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright strawberry filling. The jam peeks through the cutout tops, giving a playful, inviting look, while a light dusting of icing sugar finishes them off with that irresistible bakery-quality charm.

Recipe Origin
Linzer cookies trace back to Austria, traditionally made with ground nuts and jam, and named after the city of Linz. This recipe keeps that classic nutty base but makes it approachable for home bakers—perfectly buttery, easy to shape, and customizable with your favorite jams or a light lemon glaze twist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Food processor (for almonds, if using whole)
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters (round and smaller cutout shape)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Sifter for icing sugar

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Linzer Cookies
Delicate and Buttery: The cookie dough is tender and melts in your mouth while holding its shape beautifully.
Nutty Flavor: Almonds (or almond flour) add a warm, nutty undertone that elevates these cookies above the ordinary.
Sweet and Fruity: Strawberry jam brings a fresh, vibrant sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft, buttery cookies.
Elegant Appearance: The cutout tops and dusting of sugar make them look like they belong in a fancy bakery, but they’re so easy to make at home.
Customizable: Try raspberry, apricot, or any jam of your choice. Add a lemon glaze for a bright, zesty variation.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Use room temperature butter and egg yolk for a smooth, easy-to-roll dough.
Chill the dough before rolling to prevent spreading during baking.
Cut the cookies evenly for a uniform sandwich and perfect presentation.
Dust with icing sugar or glaze while the cookies are completely cool to avoid melting.

Ingredients in Strawberry Linzer Cookies

For the Dough:
Whole Almonds or Almond Flour: Adds that signature nutty flavor and tender texture.
Butter: Soft, at room temperature, giving the cookies a rich, buttery base.
Caster Sugar: Sweetens and gives a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg Yolk: Binds the dough and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor and aroma.
Lemon Zest: Optional, adds brightness and a hint of citrus.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for tender cookies.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the Filling and Topping:
Strawberry Jam: Sweet, fruity filling that complements the nutty cookies.
Icing Sugar + Lemon Juice: Optional glaze for a zesty twist.
Icing Sugar (for dusting): Adds the classic bakery look and slight sweetness to top half the cookies.

Instructions
Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Prepare the Almonds:
If using whole almonds, pulse them in a food processor until finely ground.

Make the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Gradually add almond flour (or ground almonds), all-purpose flour, and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Roll and Cut the Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut cookies, and for half, use a smaller shape cutter to create the cutout in the center. Transfer to baking sheets.

Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Assemble the Cookies:
Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on the bottom cookies. Place cutout cookies on top, gently pressing to sandwich.

Finishing Touches:
Dust half the cookies with icing sugar, or drizzle a glaze made of icing sugar and lemon juice over the other half for a bright, zesty finish.

Serve and Enjoy:
These cookies are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Perfect with tea, coffee, or just a glass of milk.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12–16
Calories per serving: Approx. 150
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Linzer Cookies
As a Dessert: Perfect alongside tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For Holidays: Makes a beautiful gift or festive addition to cookie platters.
For Parties: Elegant and bite-sized, ideal for afternoon tea or dessert tables.
As a Snack: A sweet, nutty treat anytime—especially with a warm beverage.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead: The dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 2 days before rolling.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Variations to Try
Other Jams: Raspberry, apricot, or blueberry for different flavors.
Chocolate Twist: Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate under the jam for extra indulgence.
Nut Variations: Substitute almonds with hazelnuts or pecans.
Glaze Options: Use orange or lime juice with icing sugar for a citrusy twist.

Additional Tips
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Makes dough easier to combine and roll.
Chill Dough: Helps maintain shape and prevents spreading.
Uniform Cookies: Cutting cookies the same size ensures even baking.
Dusting Sugar Last: Keeps icing sugar looking fresh and white.

FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use all almond flour instead of whole almonds?
A1: Yes! Almond flour works perfectly and gives a tender, nutty cookie.
Q2: Do I need to chill the dough?
A2: Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes rolling easier.
Q3: Can I use other jams?
A3: Absolutely! Any fruit jam will work, though raspberry and apricot are traditional.
Q4: How long can I store them?
A4: Up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q5: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A5: Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Q6: Can I make them gluten-free?
A6: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Q7: Can I add other flavors?
A7: Lemon zest, cinnamon, or vanilla extract variations work beautifully.
Q8: Do I have to make the cutout tops?
A8: No, you can make them solid if you prefer classic sandwich cookies.
Q9: Can I use powdered sugar instead of caster sugar in the dough?
A9: Caster sugar gives better texture, but powdered sugar can be used carefully.
Q10: How do I prevent the cookies from sticking?
A10: Use parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet.

Conclusion
Strawberry Linzer Cookies are a timeless treat—delicate, buttery, and perfectly balanced with sweet, fruity jam. They’re elegant enough for gifts or special occasions, yet easy enough to make any day special. Every bite is a little nutty, a little sweet, and all-around irresistible. Once you make these, they’ll become a cherished recipe to bake over and over again.

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