Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are the jewel-box treats of the holiday season—delicate, buttery sandwich cookies filled with sparkling jam and finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar.

Their charm comes from the signature cutout on the top cookie, a tiny “window” that reveals the ruby-red center and makes every piece look like a handcrafted ornament.

Made with a spiced, nutty dough inspired by the classic Austrian Linzer torte, these cookies strike the perfect balance of festive flavor and elegant presentation.

Despite their bakery-perfect appearance, they’re surprisingly fun and approachable to assemble, giving you the feeling of crafting something truly special.

Whether you bake them for a holiday party, a cookie box, or a cozy winter afternoon, Linzer cookies always deliver a showstopping moment the second they hit the table.

What Makes This Recipe So Great

These cookies are buttery, spiced, and filled with sweet fruit jam. The decorative cutout makes them look professional and special.

The recipe is a simple process of making dough, cutting shapes, and assembling. You get an impressive, classic cookie that is always a showstopper.

Ingredient Notes

• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this dough.

• Nuts: Finely ground almonds or hazelnuts are traditional. You can use store-bought almond flour.

• Jam: Use a thick, seedless jam like raspberry or apricot. A thin jam will leak out of the cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The dough is easy to make and roll out.

• You can use different cookie cutter shapes for variety.

• They are a beautiful and delicious homemade gift.

How To Make Linzer Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Whisk the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture.
5. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
7. Shape each portion into a flat disc and wrap it in plastic wrap.
8. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
9. Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Roll one dough disc out on a floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.
11. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
12. Use a smaller cutter to remove the centers from half of the cookies.
13. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
14. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
15. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
16. Spread a teaspoon of jam on the bottom of each solid cookie.
17. Dust the top cookies with the cutouts with powdered sugar.
18. Place a powdered sugar-dusted top cookie on each jam-covered bottom cookie.

Cook and Prep Times

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Additional Time: 2 hours (chilling)
• Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes

Nutrition Information

Servings: 24 cookies

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g

Helpful Tips

• Chilling the dough is mandatory. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

• Re-roll the dough scraps only once for the best texture.

• Dust the top cookies with powdered sugar after they are fully cooled.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

1. For the neatest cutouts, dip your cookie cutters in flour before pressing them into the dough.

2. If your jam is too runny, cook it in a saucepan for a few minutes to thicken it before using.

3. Let the assembled cookies sit for an hour before serving. This allows the jam to set slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter for a holiday party. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the assembled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

These cookies are not suitable for reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut?

You can use hazelnuts or walnuts instead of almonds. Grind them finely in a food processor.

My dough is too crumbly. What can I do?

The dough may be too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to become more pliable.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can refrigerate the dough discs for up to 3 days. Let them warm up slightly before rolling.

Final Thoughts

This Linzer cookie recipe creates a beautiful and delicious holiday treat.

The process is straightforward and very rewarding. The final product is an elegant cookie that tastes as good as it looks.

You will love the buttery, spiced dough and the sweet jam filling. T

hese cookies are perfect for gifting or for making a regular day feel special. This is a classic recipe that is always worth the effort.