Linzer cookies are a delightful treat that can bring a smile to anyone’s face. These charming cookies, with their sweet fruit filling and nutty flavor, are not just a feast for the taste buds, but they also look beautiful when plated, making them perfect for any occasion. Originating from Austria, Linzer cookies have become a beloved dessert worldwide. With a buttery cookie and fruity jam, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

What You’ll Need for Linzer Cookies

To whip up a batch of these delectable cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
1 cup blanched almond flour (100g)
1/2 tsp salt (2g)
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (227g)
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting (60g)
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar (67g)
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
1/4 tsp almond extract (1ml)
2/3 cup thick fruit jam or preserves (160g)

Step-by-Step Linzer Cookies Recipe

Ready to create some scrumptious cookies? Here’s how to make them:

Prepare the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar until well blended.
Add the Yolks and Extracts: Mix in one egg yolk, then the second yolk, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball and flatten into a 6-inch disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/6-inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters into your desired shapes, spacing them about 1 inch apart. For half of the cookies, cut out a shape from the center.
Chill Again: Place the cut cookies on the baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to maintain their shape while baking.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden.
Cool Before Assembling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cookies: Once cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of jam over the whole cookies. Dust the cookies with cut centers with powdered sugar, then place them on top of the jam-covered cookies to make a delicious sandwich.
Store Your Cookies: Keep your Linzer cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, add the jam just before serving.

How to Serve Linzer Cookies

When serving Linzer cookies, presentation matters! Place them on a decorative platter for a lovely display. You can serve them on their own or alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra festive touch, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top or sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch. They also make great gifts when packaged in a cute box or bag.

Helpful Tricks for Linzer Cookies

Use Different Jams: Feel free to experiment with different types of fruit jams or preserves. Raspberry, apricot, or even strawberry would work beautifully.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining shape while baking, so don’t skip this step.
Make a Batch: These cookies freeze well. Make a double batch and freeze them; then, you can have a sweet treat ready anytime.

Linzer Cookies: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

2. How long will Linzer cookies keep?
In an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cookies should last about a week. If stored in the freezer, they can last up to three months.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Ready to impress your friends and family? With their rich flavors and lovely appearance, these Linzer cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy baking!

Print Recipe

Linzer Cookies

Delightful Austrian cookies filled with sweet fruit jam and made with buttery dough, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15

Cook Time11

Total Time1 6

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Austrian

Keyword: Baked Goods, Cookie Recipe, Desserts, Fruit Jam Cookies, Linzer cookies

Servings: 24 cookies

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

Cookie Dough Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
1 cup blanched almond flour (100g)
1/2 tsp salt (2g)
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (227g)
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting (60g)
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar (67g)
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
1/4 tsp almond extract (1ml)

Jam Filling

2/3 cup thick fruit jam or preserves (160g)

Instructions

Preparation

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar until well blended.
Mix in one egg yolk, then the second yolk, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball and flatten into a 6-inch disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes.

Baking

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/6-inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters into your desired shapes, spacing them about 1 inch apart. For half of the cookies, cut out a shape from the center.
Place the cut cookies on the baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to maintain their shape while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembly

Once cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of jam over the whole cookies. Dust the cookies with cut centers with powdered sugar, then place them on top of the jam-covered cookies to make a delicious sandwich.

Storage

Keep your Linzer cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, add the jam just before serving.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top or sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch. These cookies freeze well; make a double batch and freeze them.