If you’re searching for a timeless holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further than Linzer cookies. With delicate, buttery layers of nutty shortbread and a vibrant jam center peeking through a cut-out window, these classic sandwich cookies are both elegant and flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or simply to fill the kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of Christmas, this Linzer cookies recipe is a festive must-try.
Let’s dive into the world of traditional Linzer cookies, explore flavor variations like raspberry pecan Linzer cookies, and discover how to make the perfect Linzer cookie recipe with jam—step by step.
Table of Contents
What Are Linzer Cookies?
Linzer cookies are a festive sandwich cookie inspired by the Linzer Torte, a classic Austrian dessert. Originally made with a lattice crust and filled with jam, the cookie version is a simplified, handheld twist. These cookies typically feature ground nuts (usually almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans), a rich shortbread-style dough, and are sandwiched together with raspberry or apricot preserves.
The signature touch? A cut-out on the top cookie, letting the jewel-toned jam shine through. They’re often dusted with powdered sugar for that picture-perfect holiday finish.
Why You’ll Love This Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Classic flavor and festive appearance
- Easy to customize with different nuts and jams
- Can be made ahead for gifting or parties
- Kid-friendly and fun to decorate
Ingredients for Traditional Linzer Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Linzer cookie recipe:
- Unsalted butter – softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk – adds richness
- Vanilla extract – for warmth and depth
- All-purpose flour
- Almond flour or finely ground pecans – for nutty flavor
- Salt
- Raspberry jam – traditional, but feel free to get creative
- Powdered sugar – for dusting
For a raspberry pecan Linzer cookie, simply swap almond flour for ground pecans. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out our pumpkin protein muffins for another nutty twist on holiday baking.
Tools You’ll Need
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Linzer cookie cutters or round cutters (with smaller shape for the cut-out)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
How to Make Linzer Cookies – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla. Slowly mix in flour, ground nuts, and salt until a soft dough forms. Divide dough in two, flatten into disks, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Pro tip: Chilling is key for preventing spread and getting sharp, defined edges.
2. Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut out an even number of cookies—half with cut-out centers.
If you’re into holiday themes, try using festive shapes like stars or hearts. Our Halloween brownie recipe also features cookie cutters if you’re browsing ideas.
3. Bake
Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Let cool completely.
4. Fill and Assemble
Spread a small spoonful of jam on the bottom cookies. Top with a cut-out cookie, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
5. Dust with Powdered Sugar
Sift powdered sugar over the tops for that classic snowy finish. For a fun touch, pair with a cup of lavender lemonade or your favorite holiday beverage.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
Raspberry Pecan Linzer Cookies
Use finely ground pecans in the dough and fill with tart raspberry jam. The nutty base balances perfectly with the sweet-tart center.
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies With Jam
Add cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to the dough for a spiced version. Fill with cranberry or orange marmalade for a Christmas twist. If you love seasonal flavors, you might also enjoy our pumpkin baked oatmeal for breakfast the next morning.
Chocolate Linzer Cookies
Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough and fill with cherry preserves or chocolate ganache.
Linzer Tart vs Linzer Cookies
Though both desserts originate from Austria, the Linzer tart is a larger pie-like pastry with a lattice top, while Linzer tart cookies are individual sandwich cookies. Both use similar doughs with nuts and fruit preserves, but the cookies are more portable and ideal for sharing or gift-giving.
Storing and Freezing Linzer Cookies
Make-ahead tips:
- Unbaked dough can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Baked, unfilled cookies can be stored in an airtight container for 1 week.
- Assembled cookies are best eaten within 2–3 days (to avoid sogginess).
Want a dessert that holds up even longer? Try our pumpkin cheesecake truffles — another freezer-friendly favorite.
How to Gift Linzer Cookies
These cookies make stunning edible gifts. Stack and tie with ribbon, place in festive tins, or tuck into clear treat bags. Include a tag noting flavor and best-by date.
For other holiday-friendly treats, consider pairing them in a box with Christmas peppermint Oreo cookies or our dreamy strawberry cloud cake.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dough too sticky? Chill longer or add a touch more flour.
- Cookies spreading? Ensure dough is cold before baking.
- Filling seeping out? Use less jam and leave a border.
- Cookies too soft? Bake a bit longer, or let them sit uncovered for a few hours.
If you’re a cookie lover, our pumpkin oatmeal cookies are a cozy option for your next batch.
Linzer Cookies FAQs
Can I use different nuts?
Yes! Almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts all work well.
Can I use store-bought jam?
Absolutely. Just avoid overly runny jams.
Are Linzer cookies gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Freeze unassembled cookies for best results. Assembled ones can be frozen but may soften slightly upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
Linzer cookies are the epitome of elegant holiday baking. Their crisp, nutty texture, bright fruity filling, and snowy tops make them as lovely to look at as they are to eat. Whether you stick with a traditional Linzer tart cookie or mix it up with gingerbread or pecan variations, these treats are guaranteed to impress.
So preheat that oven, roll out your dough, and start baking a batch of these easy Linzer cookies with jam—they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
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Linzer Cookies Recipe : A Traditional Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 20–24 cookies 1x
Description
These traditional Linzer Cookies feature nutty, buttery shortbread sandwiched around vibrant jam. Elegant, festive, and perfect for holiday cookie trays, these classic Austrian-inspired treats combine rich flavor with a picture-perfect cut-out window and snowy powdered sugar finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour or finely ground pecans
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Raspberry jam (or preferred jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Add flour, ground nuts, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Divide into two disks and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out an even number of cookies—half with center cut-outs.
- Bake: Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Fill: Spread jam on bottom cookies. Top with cut-out cookies to form sandwiches.
- Finish: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Chill dough well to prevent spreading.
- Use finely ground nuts for a smoother dough.
- For raspberry pecan variation, use pecan meal instead of almond flour.
- Use thicker jam to prevent seepage.
- Bake unfilled cookies ahead—assemble before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Linzer cookies, almond flour cookies, holiday sandwich cookies, jam-filled cookies, Christmas Linzer recipe
