Easy Linzer Cookies Recipe

I’ve been making Linzer cookies for years, and they never fail to impress at holiday gatherings.

These elegant sandwich cookies with their jewel-toned jam centers look like they came from a fancy European bakery, but they’re surprisingly simple to make at home.

The beauty of this Linzer Cookies Recipe is that you get bakery-quality results without any fussy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. You probably have most of what you need in your pantry right now.

I first tried Linzer cookies at a friend’s Christmas party and fell in love with their buttery almond flavor and the way the jam peeks through those pretty cut-out windows.

When I found out how easy they actually are to make, I knew I had to share this recipe with you.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes
Servings	24 cookies
Difficulty Level	Easy

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Linzer Cookies

These cookies are absolutely perfect for any occasion, from holiday cookie exchanges to afternoon tea.

The combination of nutty almond flour and warm cinnamon creates a flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

What makes these cookies special is their versatility. You can fill them with any jam you like, change up the shape of your cutouts, or even make them ahead and freeze them for later.

They’re also surprisingly forgiving for beginner bakers. The dough is easy to work with, and even if your cutouts aren’t perfect, the cookies still taste amazing.

Here’s what you’ll love:

Beautiful presentation: The cut-out window design makes these cookies look incredibly elegant with minimal effort.
Rich almond flavor: The almond flour gives these cookies a unique, sophisticated taste that sets them apart from ordinary sugar cookies.
Perfect texture: They’re tender and buttery with just the right amount of crumb.
Make-ahead friendly: The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated, making them ideal for busy holiday baking.
Customizable: Switch up the jam flavors or cookie shapes to match any occasion or preference.

If you’re looking for more festive treats, you’ll enjoy my Christmas Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients for Linzer Cookies

These cookies come together with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. The star ingredient is the almond flour, which gives the cookies their distinctive flavor and tender texture.

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
Powdered sugar for dusting
¾ cup raspberry jam or apricot preserves

You might also enjoy: Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Having the right tools makes cookie baking so much easier. You don’t need anything fancy, just a few basic kitchen essentials.

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer (stand or hand)
Cookie cutters (one large round, one smaller for the center)
Rolling pin
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack
Small offset spatula or knife for spreading jam

Another favorite: Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Linzer Cookies

Making Linzer cookies is easier than you might think. Just follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have beautiful, bakery-worthy cookies in no time.

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until well combined.
Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Make sure there are no lumps in the almond flour by breaking them up with your fingers if needed.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Continue beating for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
The mixture should be pale in color and have increased in volume.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

3. Add the Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until combined.
The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will come together when you add the flour.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed.
Mix just until the dough comes together and no flour streaks remain.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

5. Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disk.
Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll out.
Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and makes the dough easier to handle.

6. Roll Out the Dough

Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to make rolling easier.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Keep the work surface and rolling pin lightly floured to prevent sticking.
If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.

7. Cut Out the Cookies

Using a round cookie cutter (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter), cut out as many cookies as possible from the rolled dough.
For half of the cookies, use a smaller cookie cutter (about ¾ to 1 inch) to cut out the centers, creating the window for the jam.
Place all cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.

8. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
The cookies with the cutout centers may bake slightly faster, so keep an eye on them.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

9. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, dust the tops with the cutout centers generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
Spread about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam or apricot preserves on the flat side of each solid bottom cookie.
Place a powdered sugar-dusted top cookie on each jam-covered bottom, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
The jam should peek through the cutout window beautifully.

For more cookie inspiration, check out my Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe.

Tips for The Best Linzer Cookies

After making these cookies dozens of times, I’ve picked up some tricks that really make a difference. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and create perfect Linzer cookies every time.

Keep the dough cold: If the dough becomes too warm while you’re rolling or cutting, pop it back in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps them hold their shape.
Use quality jam: Choose a jam or preserve that’s thick and not too runny. Seedless raspberry is traditional, but apricot, strawberry, or blackberry all work beautifully.
Don’t overbake: These cookies should be just barely golden at the edges. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly instead of tender.
Dust with sugar after cooling: If you dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they’re still warm, it will melt and disappear. Wait until they’re completely cool.
Roll to even thickness: Use rolling pin rings or guides to ensure your dough is evenly thick throughout. This helps all the cookies bake at the same rate.
Warm the jam slightly: If your jam is very thick, warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to spread.

Read Also: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Serving Suggestions

These elegant cookies are perfect for so many occasions. Their beautiful appearance makes them ideal for gift-giving and special events.

Linzer cookies shine on holiday cookie platters alongside other festive treats. They’re stunning enough to be the centerpiece of your dessert table, yet they pair beautifully with other cookies too.

For an afternoon tea party, serve them with hot tea or coffee. The almond flavor complements both perfectly.

Here are some great serving ideas:

Holiday cookie trays: Arrange them with Gingerbread Cookies and White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies for a festive variety.
Gift boxes: Package them in pretty tins or boxes with tissue paper for homemade gifts.
Dessert platters: Serve alongside fresh fruit and Pear Crisp for an elegant dessert spread.
Tea parties: Pair with Earl Grey tea and Maple Glazed Donuts for a sweet afternoon treat.
Wedding favors: Wrap individual cookies in cellophane bags with ribbon for beautiful, edible wedding favors.

Variations of Linzer Cookies

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, feel free to experiment with different flavors and presentations.

Different jam flavors: Try apricot preserves, strawberry jam, blackberry preserves, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist.
Chocolate Linzers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate cookies, then fill with raspberry jam for a classic combination.
Hazelnut version: Replace the almond flour with hazelnut flour for a Nutella-inspired flavor.
Lemon Linzers: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough and fill with lemon curd instead of jam.
Spiced cookies: Increase the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons and add ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves for a spicier cookie.
Different shapes: Use heart-shaped cutters for Valentine’s Day or star shapes for Christmas.
Mini Linzers: Make bite-sized versions using smaller cutters for party appetizers.

If you enjoy experimenting with different flavors, try my Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage keeps these cookies fresh and delicious for days. Here’s how to make sure they stay at their best.

Room temperature: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: If your kitchen is very warm, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: Freeze unfilled baked cookies in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before assembling with jam and powdered sugar.
Freeze the dough: You can also freeze the unbaked dough, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
Don’t freeze assembled cookies: The jam filling can make the cookies soggy when thawed, so it’s best to freeze them separately and assemble just before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 sandwich cookie):

Calories: 165
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 65mg
Total Carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

While these are definitely a treat, some of the ingredients do offer nutritional benefits. Everything in moderation, right?

Almond flour is naturally gluten-free and provides healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. It’s also lower in carbohydrates than regular flour and has a lower glycemic index.

The almonds in the flour are rich in magnesium, which supports bone health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They also contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Here are some benefits of the key ingredients:

Almond flour: Rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function.
Almonds: Contain healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline and selenium.
Butter: Contains vitamins A, D, and K2, which support bone health and immune function.
Raspberry jam: Provides vitamin C and antioxidants, though it is high in sugar.

Another nutritious treat: Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

FAQs About Linzer Cookies

1. Can I make Linzer cookies without almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute the almond flour with additional all-purpose flour or use hazelnut flour for a different flavor.

However, the almond flour gives these cookies their distinctive taste and tender texture, so the result will be slightly different.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

The most common reason is that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or became too warm while you were working with it.

Make sure the dough is thoroughly chilled before rolling, and refrigerate the cut cookies before baking if your kitchen is warm.

While you could use store-bought sugar cookie dough in a pinch, you won’t get the same almond flavor that makes Linzer cookies special. This recipe is really worth making from scratch.

4. How do I prevent the jam from bubbling out during baking?

Add the jam after baking, not before. The cookies are assembled after they’ve cooled completely, so the jam stays in place and doesn’t bubble or burn.

5. What’s the best way to cut clean shapes without the dough sticking?

Dip your cookie cutters in flour between each cut. If the dough is sticking to your work surface, slide a thin spatula or knife under it gently to release it before trying to transfer it to the baking sheet.

Conclusion

These Linzer Cookies are one of my all-time favorite recipes to make during the holidays, but honestly, they’re wonderful any time of year.

The combination of buttery almond dough, sweet jam, and that pretty dusting of powdered sugar creates a cookie that’s both elegant and delicious.

I love that this recipe looks impressive but is actually quite simple to make. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself making batch after batch for every special occasion.

I’d love to hear how your Linzer Cookies turn out! Leave a comment below with your favorite jam flavor or any creative variations you tried.

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Why You’ll Love This Linzer Cookies

Ingredients for Linzer Cookies

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Recommended Products for This Recipe

1. Blue Diamond Almond Flour

3. Nielsen-Massey Pure Almond Extract

4. Bonne Maman Raspberry Preserves

5. Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet