There’s something magical about baking Linzer cookies, especially during the colder months when the air feels crisp, and the warmth of your oven fills the kitchen with comforting scents. These cookies, with their delicate buttery texture and jewel-like centers, are a timeless treat that never fails to impress. Originating in Austria and traditionally made with almond flour and raspberry jam, Linzer cookies have become a beloved classic across the world. They’re the perfect combination of sophistication and nostalgia, making them a staple for festive occasions or any time you want to share a little sweetness with loved ones.
I remember the first time I made Linzer cookies; it was a chilly afternoon, and my grandmother was guiding me through each step. She insisted on using her prized raspberry jam, a recipe passed down from her mother. I was mesmerized by the process—the cutting of the delicate shapes, the careful dusting of powdered sugar, and the final assembly of what looked like tiny, edible works of art. To this day, baking Linzer cookies takes me back to those cozy afternoons, and I hope this recipe brings the same joy to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies are buttery and tender with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Fillings: While raspberry jam is traditional, you can switch it up with your favorite fruit preserves or even chocolate spread.
- Beautiful Presentation: Their intricate design and powdered sugar topping make them look as good as they taste, ideal for gifting or special occasions.
- Easy to Follow: Don’t be intimidated—this recipe breaks everything down into simple steps, so even beginners can achieve bakery-level results.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup raspberry jam (or your preferred filling)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies
There’s an art to crafting Linzer cookies, but don’t worry—it’s an art you can absolutely master! Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy these beautiful treats without any stress.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by laying everything out on your countertop. This simple step makes the whole process smoother. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins—the airiness you create here will give your cookies their tender texture. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, egg yolk, and salt until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to stay tender. Once it’s ready, divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once the dough is firm but still pliable, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (or any shape you love) to cut out the base cookies. For the tops, use the same cutter, but create a small window in the center with a smaller cutter. Think of this as your cookie’s “peek-a-boo” moment for the jam to shine through.
Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can dry them out. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the flat side of each base cookie. Take a top cookie with the cut-out center and gently press it onto the jam layer, forming a sandwich.
Dust the assembled cookies generously with powdered sugar, making them look like they came straight out of a storybook.
Helpful Tips:
- Chilling Is Key: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking and makes them easier to handle.
- Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar: Dusting the tops before assembling keeps the jam center vibrant and prevents the sugar from sticking to the filling.
- Use Parchment Paper: This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Details:
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Austrian-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- You can experiment with different shapes and fillings to customize these cookies for any occasion. Heart-shaped Linzers with strawberry jam are perfect for Valentine’s Day!
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out.
Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! Assemble them completely, then store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
What other fillings can I use?
The options are endless! Try apricot jam, blackberry preserves, lemon curd, or even Nutella for a chocolatey twist.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other sweet treats:
- Irresistibly Soft & Chewy Brown Sugar Amish Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies – Soft, Creamy, and Loaded with Chocolate Chips
- Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies: The Perfect Fudgy and Nutty Pairing!
Conclusion
Making Linzer cookies is a delightful experience that combines creativity, tradition, and a little bit of love. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration, a thoughtful gift, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your favorite cookie cutters, and let the magic begin. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished recipe in your collection!
Print
Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies
Description
There’s something magical about baking Linzer cookies, especially during the colder months when the air feels crisp, and the warmth of your oven fills the kitchen with comforting scents. These cookies, with their delicate buttery texture and jewel-like centers, are a timeless treat that never fails to impress. Originating in Austria and traditionally made with almond flour and raspberry jam, Linzer cookies have become a beloved classic across the world. They’re the perfect combination of sophistication and nostalgia, making them a staple for festive occasions or any time you want to share a little sweetness with loved ones.
I remember the first time I made Linzer cookies; it was a chilly afternoon, and my grandmother was guiding me through each step. She insisted on using her prized raspberry jam, a recipe passed down from her mother. I was mesmerized by the process—the cutting of the delicate shapes, the careful dusting of powdered sugar, and the final assembly of what looked like tiny, edible works of art. To this day, baking Linzer cookies takes me back to those cozy afternoons, and I hope this recipe brings the same joy to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup raspberry jam (or your preferred filling)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by laying everything out on your countertop. This simple step makes the whole process smoother. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins—the airiness you create here will give your cookies their tender texture. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, egg yolk, and salt until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to stay tender. Once it’s ready, divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once the dough is firm but still pliable, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (or any shape you love) to cut out the base cookies. For the tops, use the same cutter, but create a small window in the center with a smaller cutter. Think of this as your cookie’s “peek-a-boo” moment for the jam to shine through.
Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can dry them out. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the flat side of each base cookie. Take a top cookie with the cut-out center and gently press it onto the jam layer, forming a sandwich.
Dust the assembled cookies generously with powdered sugar, making them look like they came straight out of a storybook.
Notes
- You can experiment with different shapes and fillings to customize these cookies for any occasion. Heart-shaped Linzers with strawberry jam are perfect for Valentine’s Day!
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and bring to room temperature before serving.
