There’s something truly magical about baking that brings warmth into any kitchen, and this Easy Linzer Cookie Recipe is an absolute gem you’ll want to make again and again. These delicate, buttery cookies sandwiched with vibrant raspberry jam and dusted with a light veil of icing sugar offer a perfect balance of tender crumb and tart sweetness. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this Easy Linzer Cookie Recipe invites you to create something both beautiful and irresistibly delicious with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white ceramic bowl with two small handles, there are several pieces of yellow butter and a layer of white granulated sugar at the bottom. The butter pieces vary in size and shape, some cubed and some in small sticks scattered on top of the sugar. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface which adds a clean and simple background to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the classic Linzer cookie flavor and texture. From buttery richness to that subtle almond aroma, these essentials come together to form the perfect dough and luscious filling.

175 grams (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cold, roughly chopped: Cold butter helps create the tender, flaky texture these cookies are famous for.
150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping the cookies brown beautifully.
1 large egg, cold: Acts as a binder, bringing the dough together smoothly.
1 teaspoon almond extract: Gives that distinctive nutty depth that’s signature to Linzer cookies.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a gentle warmth.
245 grams (1 and 1/4 cups) plain flour or all purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing body and structure.
75 grams (3/4 cup) almond meal: Incorporates a lovely texture and intensifies the almond flavor; ensure it’s finely ground for best results.
1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise lightly and maintain a tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and earthiness to the dough.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances sweetness while deepening flavor.
85 grams (1/3 cup) raspberry jam: This fruity layer adds freshness and sweetness that perfectly complements the rich cookie.
Icing sugar or powdered sugar: For dusting, it gives a beautiful, delicate finish.

How to Make Easy Linzer Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) standard or 160°C (320°F) if using a fan-forced oven, and line two large baking trays with baking or parchment paper. This prep ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, setting the stage for perfect results.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the cold butter and sugar on low speed. It will take a few minutes for the butter to soften and come together with the sugar, but be patient—this step is crucial for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Beat Until Smooth

Increase the mixer speed to medium and keep beating until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined, laying the perfect foundation for your dough.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the cold egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract briefly on low speed just enough to combine. These ingredients add moisture, flavor, and that special almond essence that makes this Easy Linzer Cookie Recipe so memorable.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, almond meal, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Mix on low just until a soft but thick dough forms. At first, the dough might seem crumbly or dry, but keep mixing gently; it will come together beautifully without being overworked.

Step 6: Divide and Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a large round disc and cut it in half. Wrap one half tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll later.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough and Cut Bottom Cookies

Lay a large sheet of parchment on your work surface, place the dough half on top, then cover with another sheet of parchment. Roll out to about 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) thick for even baking. Using a fluted or round cookie cutter about 6.5 cm (2.5 inches), cut out cookies carefully and transfer them to your lined trays. You can re-roll scraps a couple of times, chilling if the dough softens too much to cut cleanly.

Step 8: Bake Bottom Cookies

Bake these cookie bottoms for 12-14 minutes until the edges start turning golden. Remember, they firm up while cooling, so don’t wait for a deep color before pulling them from the oven. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step 9: Roll Out and Cut Top Cookies

Repeat the rolling process with the chilled dough half. Cut out cookies of the same size, then use a small cookie cutter (about 2 cm or 0.75 inch) to cut the center out of each. These are the “windows” of your Linzer cookies; the centers can be baked separately as extra treats or discarded.

Step 10: Bake Top Cookies

Bake the top cookies 12-14 minutes until just golden at the edges. Remove and cool on a wire rack. Their delicate cutouts will beautifully showcase the jam beneath.

Step 11: Assemble Your Linzer Cookies

Generously spread raspberry jam on the bottom cookies, leaving a small rim at the edge to prevent overflow. Dust the tops with sifted icing sugar to create a snowy effect, then gently sandwich them on top of the jam-covered bottoms. These stunning cookies are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Linzer Cookie Recipe

A round sandwich cookie with two light golden layers dusted with white powdered sugar on top. The top layer has a small circular hole in the center showing dark red jam inside. The cookie is on a pink surface, and one side has a bite taken out, revealing the jam and soft crumbly texture of the cookie layers stacked together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, dust the cookies generously with icing sugar creating that iconic frosted look. For a festive touch, sprinkle finely chopped almonds around the edges or place a small fresh raspberry on top of each. These little details bring your cookies to life and make them irresistible.

Side Dishes

Serve your Linzer cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, rich coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate for a comforting treat. They also pair brilliantly with light cheeses or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and make a perfect afternoon snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter layered with doilies or rustic wooden boards for a charming look. You can pack them in decorative tins as heartfelt gifts or serve them as part of a dessert buffet using tiered trays. Experiment with different jam fillings like apricot or strawberry for a colorful twist on this classic recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and assembled, store your Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for preparing ahead of celebrations or gifting.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (assembled or unassembled) in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To avoid sogginess, freeze tops and bottoms separately and assemble after thawing. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Linzer cookies taste best at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the texture too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond meal with something else?

If almond meal isn’t on hand, finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts can be used, though this will alter the classic Linzer flavor slightly. Alternatively, you can try finely ground oats for texture but the nutty depth may be missing.

What’s the best jam to use in this Easy Linzer Cookie Recipe?

Traditional Linzer cookies shine with raspberry jam because of its bright tartness that balances the rich dough. However, apricot or strawberry jams are wonderful alternatives if you want to mix things up.

Do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough before rolling out helps the cookies hold their shape and makes cutting cleaner. It also prevents the dough from sticking and spreading too much during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the plain flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend and ensure the almond meal is gluten-free. The texture will remain tender and flavorful with careful handling.

How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the cutter?

Lightly dust your cookie cutter with flour before each cut. If the dough feels too soft, chill it again briefly to firm up. Using parchment paper for rolling and cutting also helps avoid sticking and makes transferring easier.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Linzer Cookie Recipe is a heartfelt invitation to bring a bit of joy and tradition into your kitchen with surprisingly simple steps. Once you taste the delicate nutty layers paired with fragrant jam, you’ll understand why these cookies have become a beloved classic. So gather your ingredients, get that rolling pin ready, and treat yourself to a baking experience that’s as delightful as the cookies themselves.