Name: Linzer Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: Austrian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preferred fruit preserves; Powdered sugar for dusting

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Experience the sweet charm of Linzer Cookies, Austria’s famed jam-filled treats, right in your own kitchen. These delightful sandwich cookies bring together melt-in-your-mouth almond shortbread with a burst of tangy raspberry preserves, all finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of nutty richness, gentle spice, and fruity brightness—a true celebration for cookie lovers and a must-have for special gatherings or holiday trays!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Linzer Cookies is refreshingly straightforward, thanks to a handful of simple yet essential pantry staples. Every ingredient has a part to play, from the buttery base to the aromatic almond flour, ensuring irresistible texture and flavor in every bite.

All-purpose flour: Provides the backbone of the cookie dough, ensuring a tender, sturdy base for the sandwich.
Almond flour: Gives the cookies their signature nutty flavor and delicate crumb, a crucial Linzer Cookies element.
Ground cinnamon: Adds just a whiff of warm spice, perfectly complementing both the almonds and the jam.
Salt: Balances sweetness, making the flavors pop without overpowering the cookie’s subtle nature.
Unsalted butter, softened: Delivers delicious richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture Linzer Cookies are famous for.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly and helps create a tender crumb.
Large egg: Acts as the binder, helping the dough hold its shape while baking.
Vanilla extract: Lends classic aromatic depth and rounds out the cookie’s sweetness.
Almond extract: Boosts the nutty profile and brings out the best in the almond flour.
Raspberry jam or preferred fruit preserves: Fills the center with sweet-tart flavor and beautiful jewel-like color.
Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds an elegant finish, making every Linzer Cookie feel extra special.

How to Make Linzer Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that the ground almonds and spice are evenly distributed throughout the dough, setting the stage for uniform flavor and texture in your Linzer Cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This process aerates the dough ever so slightly and helps produce cookies with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 3: Add Egg and Flavorings

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, one at a time. The extracts infuse the dough with rich, aromatic notes, while the egg ensures everything binds together just right.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your creamed wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Overworking the dough can make your Linzer Cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour—it’s okay if it looks a bit scraggly at this stage.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, press each into a disc, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial—it gives the dough time to relax, ensures the cookies hold their shape, and develops their signature tender crumb.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough at a time to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out rounds using a cookie cutter. For half of the cookies, cut out a small shape (a heart, star, or circle) from the center—these will top your Linzer Cookies and create that beautiful peekaboo window.

Step 7: Bake

Arrange all the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely right on the baking sheet for the best texture.

Step 8: Sandwich and Decorate

Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam on each whole (solid) cookie, then top with a windowed cookie. Press gently to set, then dust the finished Linzer Cookies with a flurry of powdered sugar just before serving for that classic, festive look.

How to Serve Linzer Cookies

Garnishes

A classic dusting of powdered sugar is all you truly need to finish Linzer Cookies with elegance and charm. However, if you’d like to amp up the sparkle, you can add a tiny edible gold leaf or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios around the edge of the jam for an extra-special presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve Linzer Cookies alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea or a rich cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. On a dessert platter, they pair beautifully with other European-style cookies like shortbread, biscotti, or chocolate-dipped orange slices to create a show-stopping cookie assortment.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Linzer Cookies on a vintage cake stand or tuck them into gift boxes lined with parchment for homemade holiday presents. For a whimsical touch, use assorted shapes for the window cutouts, such as stars or snowflakes—guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They actually get even more tender as the jam melds with the cookie, and the flavors become beautifully harmonious over time.

Freezing

To freeze, layer unfilled cookies between sheets of parchment and place in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to two months. Fill and dust with powdered sugar after thawing for best texture and appearance.

Reheating

Linzer Cookies aren’t typically reheated, but if you’d like to freshen them up, let frozen or chilled cookies come to room temperature on the counter. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the cookies too soft or cause the jam to bubble out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional, you can use apricot, strawberry, or even black currant preserves for a unique twist. Choose a jam that’s not too runny, so it stays neatly between the cookies.

Can I make Linzer Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture may be slightly more delicate, but the result will still be delicious and nutty.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling is key for cut-out cookies like Linzer Cookies. It prevents the dough from spreading and helps the cookies maintain their crisp, defined edges through baking.

What’s the best way to keep the cookies crisp?

If you prefer your Linzer Cookies extra crisp, assemble them just before serving. You can store the baked cookies and jam separately, then fill and dust with powdered sugar the day you plan to enjoy them.

How far ahead can I make Linzer Cookies for the holidays?

You can bake the cookies several days in advance and store them unfilled. Assemble them with jam and powdered sugar up to a day ahead; they only improve with a bit of time for the flavors to blend.

Final Thoughts

Linzer Cookies are truly a treasure worth baking, whether you’re indulging with a cup of coffee or sharing a sweet moment with loved ones. If you haven’t tried making them before, don’t hesitate—these charming cookies are simpler than they look and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at your table!

Linzer Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 cookies (12 sandwiches) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of these classic Linzer Cookies, a beloved Austrian treat perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a sweet, jam-filled indulgence. These almond-infused cookies with a hint of cinnamon are sandwiched together with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, creating a beautiful and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Filling:

1/2 cup raspberry jam or preferred fruit preserves
Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Dough Preparation: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Adding Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combining Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Chilling Dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Baking Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface, cut out rounds, bake, cool, spread jam, and sandwich cookies.