Linzer Cookies – Classic, Buttery & Filled With Sweet Raspberry Jam

Linzer Cookies – Classic, Buttery & Filled With Sweet Raspberry Jam

These Linzer Cookies are the perfect combination of elegance and nostalgia — buttery almond shortbread cookies sandwiched around a sweet-tart layer of raspberry jam, with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar that makes them look like they’re straight from a European bakery. Originating from the traditional Austrian Linzer torte, these cookies have become a beloved holiday classic thanks to their melt-in-your-mouth texture, beautiful cut-out centers, and festive flavor. They’re tender, slightly nutty from ground almonds, and wonderfully balanced by the fruity jam filling. Perfect for Christmas cookie boxes, Valentine’s Day, tea-time treats, or gifting, Linzer cookies bring a touch of old-world charm to any dessert table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Servings: 20 Cookies

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract optional but traditional
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling & Finishing

½ cup raspberry jam or apricot, strawberry, cherry
Powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rolling Pin
Round cookie cutter + smaller cutter for center
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
Fine sieve for powdered sugar

Method

Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugars

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until smooth.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk:
flour
ground almonds
cinnamon
salt
Add dry mixture to the wet and mix until dough forms.
Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill 1 hour.
(Chilling prevents spreading and keeps the cookies crisp.)

Step 3: Roll & Cut the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment.
Roll dough to ⅛–¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
Cut out circles (or hearts).
For half the cookies, cut out a small center shape.
Place on baking sheets and chill 10 minutes (helps them keep their shape).
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Dust the top cookies (those with cutouts) generously with powdered sugar.
Spread about 1 teaspoon of jam onto each bottom cookie.
Gently press the top cookie onto the jam to create a sandwich.
Allow jam to set for 20–30 minutes before packaging.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: 4–5 days
Refrigerator: 1 week
Freeze (unfilled cookies): 2 months
Freeze (filled): 1 month

Linzer cookies taste even better the next day!

🥄 Variations

Classic Austrian: Use apricot jam instead of raspberry.

Chocolate Linzer: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa to dough + chocolate filling.

Hazelnut Linzer: Replace almonds with ground hazelnuts.

Lemon Linzer: Fill with lemon curd.

Strawberry Shortcake: Use strawberry jam + vanilla bean in dough.

Holiday Spice: Add nutmeg + cloves to dough.

Pistachio Linzer: Replace almonds with pistachio flour.

Gluten-Free: Use almond flour + GF 1:1 blend.

Cherry Almond: Cherry jam + almond extract.

Nut-Free Version: Replace nuts with extra flour.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why did my cookies spread?
Dough wasn’t chilled long enough — chill after cutting.

Can I skip almond extract?
Yes, but it adds classic Linzer flavor.

Do I need almond flour?
Traditional Linzers use almonds, but you can replace with flour.

Why dust tops separately?
Dusting before assembly keeps sugar clean and pretty.

Why are my cookies tough?
Dough was overmixed — handle gently.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use seedless jam?
Absolutely — many prefer it for smoother texture.

How thick should the dough be?
⅛–¼ inch is ideal for crisp, delicate cookies.

Can I use other shapes?
Hearts, stars, snowflakes — any shape works!

How do I prevent cookies from becoming soggy?
Assemble right before serving or use thicker jam.

🏁 Conclusion

These Linzer Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery tenderness, subtle almond flavor, and sweet-tart jam — a timeless cookie that always impresses. With their delicate cutouts, powdered sugar snow, and jewel-like centers, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or gifting, these cookies bring a classic European charm to every bite.