Baking Linzer Cookies brings me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of toasted almonds and bubbling raspberry jam filled the air. I remember standing on tiptoe to sneak a peek as she pressed the cookie cutter into the delicate dough, always saving the heart-shaped centers for me to nibble. These cookies weren’t just treats—they were tradition, layered with love and filled with the kind of sweetness that only comes once a year.
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Linzer Cookies—how to make them, flavor variations, pro tips, and more. Whether you’re baking for a festive party or simply want something special with your tea, Linzer Cookies are the ultimate combination of elegance and indulgence. In the next sections, you’ll learn everything from crafting the perfect dough to mastering the classic filling.
The Charm of Linzer Cookies—Where Flavor Meets Tradition
The Origins of Linzer Cookies and Why They’re Timeless
Linzer Cookies originated in Austria, a spin-off of the famous Linzertorte, one of the oldest known cakes in the world. Traditionally made with almond flour, spiced dough, and fruit preserves, Linzer Cookies are now a staple in holiday baking across the globe. These cookies carry with them a legacy of comfort, celebration, and the joy of sharing sweets with loved ones.
What makes Linzer Cookies stand out isn’t just their stunning cut-out design. It’s the rich nuttiness from the almond meal, the slight spice from cinnamon or cloves, and that vibrant jam center that peeks out like a stained-glass window. They’re festive, flavorful, and beautiful enough for any dessert table—especially when nestled alongside treats like Cinnamon Roll Cookies or Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies.
Print
Linzer Cookies: The Buttery Jam-Filled Treat That Steals Every Holiday Table
Buttery, almond-based Linzer Cookies with raspberry jam filling. A festive treat perfect for holiday cookie trays or gifting.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk flours, cinnamon, and salt. Add to wet ingredients.
- Divide dough, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
- Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut half with center shapes.
- Transfer to baking sheet and chill for 10 more minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges are light golden.
- Cool completely. Spread jam on bottom cookies, sandwich with tops.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading.
- Use parchment paper for rolling to avoid sticking.
- Jam should be thick; strain if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Why Linzer Cookies Are a Holiday Baking Essential
There’s something about Linzer Cookies that instantly signals the holidays. Maybe it’s their delicate dusting of powdered sugar or the sweet surprise of jam with every bite. They’re the kind of cookies that spark joy even before the first taste.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or simply impressing your guests, Linzer Cookies are a multitasking holiday hero. You can even personalize them with different jam flavors or cutout shapes. Use raspberry for classic charm, or switch things up with apricot or blackberry for a tangy twist.
The process may seem intricate at first glance, but with a little planning and patience, anyone can master Linzer Cookies. By keeping your ingredients chilled and your cookie cutter game strong, you’ll create consistent results that look bakery-worthy.
Crafting the Perfect Linzer Cookie Dough
The Key Ingredients and Texture of Linzer Cookie Dough
The foundation of Linzer Cookies lies in the dough—a tender, buttery base enriched with almond flour. Almonds give these cookies their signature nutty flavor and a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. Using real butter is non-negotiable here. You’ll need unsalted butter at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar.
Most recipes combine all-purpose flour with finely ground almonds, or better yet, almond flour for a smoother texture. Add in an egg yolk to bring richness and cohesion, along with vanilla extract and a touch of cinnamon. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
The dough must chill—this isn’t optional. Cold dough holds its shape and prevents spreading in the oven, ensuring your cutouts remain crisp and defined.
Pro Tips for Rolling and Cutting the Dough Cleanly
Rolling out Linzer Cookie dough requires a gentle hand and the right setup. Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and reduce the need for extra flour, which can dry out your cookies.
Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. This ensures the cookies are sturdy enough to sandwich, but not too thick to overwhelm the jam. Cut half the batch with a solid cutter and the other half with a center cutout—hearts, stars, or circles all work beautifully.
Transfer cookies using a thin spatula and chill them on the baking sheet again before popping them into the oven. This double chill method preserves those sharp edges and keeps them picture-perfect—ideal when you’re pairing them with whimsical treats like Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies or festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.
Choosing Fillings and Flavors That Pop
Classic Jam Fillings and Creative Alternatives
The traditional choice for Linzer Cookies is raspberry jam, and for good reason. Its sweet-tart profile perfectly complements the buttery almond cookie. However, don’t be afraid to experiment—apricot, cherry, black currant, or even fig jam all add a unique flavor profile.
If you want to go non-traditional, try lemon curd for a citrusy punch or chocolate ganache for indulgence. Just avoid jams that are too runny—they’ll leak out and make your cookies soggy.
Strain your jam for a smooth consistency and warm it slightly before spreading. This helps it glide over the cookies and stay in place. Just a thin layer will do—you don’t want it overpowering the delicate cookie flavor.
These choices add beautiful variety to your dessert platter, especially when served with Big Chewy Gingerbread Cookies or Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, making your holiday cookie lineup even more irresistible.
Flavor Boosts: Spices, Extracts, and Nuts
While almond flour provides a great base, don’t stop there. A pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves adds depth to your dough. Almond extract enhances the nuttiness, while lemon zest can brighten the overall profile.
Some bakers even fold finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans into the dough for a richer, more complex bite. Just be mindful that these can affect the texture and rolling process.
For a truly memorable cookie box, consider pairing your Linzer Cookies with Whipped Shortbread Cookies or Peanut Butter Blossoms. The mix of textures and flavors will make your dessert spread unforgettable.
Baking, Assembling, and Storing Like a Pro
Baking Linzer Cookies to Perfection
Once your Linzer Cookies are cut and chilled, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely—the edges should just begin to turn golden, especially on the cutout tops. If they brown too much, the delicate texture gets lost.
Let cookies cool completely before assembly. Even a hint of warmth will cause your filling to melt and the top cookie to slide. Patience is your best friend during this step.
Assembling is straightforward: spread a little jam on the bottom cookie, sandwich it with a cutout cookie, and give it a light press. A dusting of powdered sugar on the tops adds that classic, snow-kissed finish.
They pair beautifully with other seasonal favorites like Monster Cookie Bars or indulgent Oreo Dirt Pie.
Storing and Gifting Linzer Cookies
Store Linzer Cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to five days at room temperature, but many say they’re even better the next day after the flavors meld.
If gifting, pack them with care—use cupcake liners or parchment squares to prevent them from sticking together. For longer storage, freeze the unfilled cookies and assemble before serving.
These cookies are ideal for sharing during the holidays. Whether you’re building cookie boxes or just looking for a sweet surprise for your family, Linzer Cookies deliver both charm and flavor, holding their own next to Crumbl Oreo Cookie Copycats or Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.
Serving Up the Final Words
Linzer Cookies aren’t just another cookie—they’re a tradition, a holiday memory, and a showcase of baking craft. With their rich almond base, vibrant jam filling, and elegant shape, they hold their own on any dessert table and pair beautifully with your favorite seasonal bakes.
Whether you’re adding them to a festive cookie tray alongside Teddy Bear Chocolate Chip Cookies or mixing flavors with Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars, Linzer Cookies always bring that little “wow” moment.
They’re worth the little bit of extra effort. And as soon as someone bites into that buttery almond cookie with a burst of jam in the middle, they’ll understand exactly why. So, dust off your cookie cutters, stock up on almond flour and jam, and make these timeless treats your new favorite baking tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Linzer Cookies
What kind of jam is best for Linzer Cookies?
Raspberry jam is traditional because of its tart flavor and vibrant color, but you can also use apricot, cherry, blackberry, or even lemon curd for a twist. Just be sure the jam is thick and not too runny.
Can I make Linzer Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also bake and freeze the cookies (unassembled) for up to a month, then thaw and fill them when ready to serve.
Why are my Linzer Cookies spreading too much during baking?
Most likely, the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Chilling before cutting and again before baking helps cookies hold their shape. Avoid overworking the dough and keep your kitchen cool when rolling it out.
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely. Hazelnuts and pecans both work beautifully in Linzer Cookies. Just make sure they’re finely ground. Hazelnuts pair especially well with chocolate fillings if you want to try something like Sugar Cookie Bars or Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
