Delightful Linzer Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Delightful Linzer Cookies Recipe treats are a cherished holiday classic, featuring buttery almond dough and a sweet jam filling. For another festive favorite, try these Irresistible Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies for Your Holiday Delight. Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser, they bring warmth and joy to any seasonal gathering.

Ingredients

These delightful Linzer cookies are wonderfully tender and buttery with a sweet jam center and a pretty powdered sugar finish that makes them a holiday favorite.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond meal
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	42 minutes

Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than similar Linzer cookie recipes thanks to simplified assembly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Bring butter and eggs to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures your dough will be smooth and easy to roll. Measure all ingredients precisely for the best texture.

Step 2 — Make the Cookie Dough

Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Tip: Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep your cookies wonderfully tender.

Step 3 — Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Chilled dough is much easier to roll and cut cleanly.

Step 4 — Roll and Cut the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cutter for the bottom cookies and a smaller shaped cutter (like a heart or star) for the top cookies to create the classic Linzer window.

Tip: If the dough gets too soft while working, return it to the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.

Watch closely near the end—these buttery cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.

Step 6 — Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies are fragile when warm, so handle them gently.

Step 7 — Assemble with Jam

Place the solid bottom cookies on your work surface. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry or your favorite jam onto the center of each. Gently press a cut-out top cookie onto the jam-topped base.

Tip: For a neat presentation, avoid spreading jam all the way to the edges.

Step 8 — Add the Finishing Touch

Dust the assembled Delightful Linzer Cookies with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. The sugar will cling to the top cookie and highlight the pretty jam center.

Nutritional Information

Calories	140
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	7g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	65mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond Flour — Creates a gluten-free, nutty-flavored cookie with a delicate crumb.
• Oat Flour — A whole-grain, gluten-free option that adds a mild, hearty flavor.
• Coconut Oil — A dairy-free substitute for butter, offering a subtle tropical note.
• Greek Yogurt — A protein alternative that reduces fat while keeping the dough tender.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener — A lower-carb sweetener that maintains the jam’s sweetness without sugar.
• Chia Seed Jam — A low-sugar jam alternative with added fiber and omega-3s.
• Unsweetened Applesauce — Replaces some butter for a lower-fat, moist cookie with a hint of fruit.
• Salt-Free Spice Blend — Enhances flavor without sodium, using cinnamon or nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these delightful Linzer cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or rich hot chocolate for a cozy holiday treat.
• Serve on a festive platter alongside other holiday desserts like gingerbread men and shortbread for a beautiful cookie assortment.
• Offer at afternoon tea parties or as a sweet ending to holiday dinners, where their pretty appearance adds elegance.
• Arrange on a tiered stand with doilies for a classic, charming presentation that highlights the jam centers.
• Pack in decorative boxes or tins as edible gifts—these tender, buttery cookies make heartfelt holiday favors.
• Accent each cookie with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to enhance their visual appeal.

For a special touch, use different colored jams—like raspberry, apricot, or black currant—to create a vibrant, festive platter that delights both the eyes and the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops gluten and makes cookies tough. Fix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your Delightful Linzer Cookies wonderfully tender.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin, causing it to tear or burn. Fix: Aim for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness for even baking and structural integrity.
• Mistake: Using warm dough, which spreads excessively and loses its shape. Fix: Always chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting for buttery, defined edges.
• Mistake: Choosing a runny jam that leaks out during baking or assembly. Fix: Opt for thick preserves or briefly cook jam to reduce moisture for a perfect, contained sweet jam center.
• Mistake: Not flouring your cutter, leading to the dough sticking and ruining the pretty design. Fix: Dip your cookie cutter in flour before each cut to ensure clean, sharp shapes.
• Mistake: Spreading jam to the very edge, which squeezes out when the top cookie is pressed on. Fix: Leave a small border around the edge to keep the filling neatly inside.
• Mistake: Assembling cookies while they are still warm, causing them to become soggy. Fix: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before filling to maintain their delightful texture.
• Mistake: Baking on a dark-colored sheet, which can cause the bottoms to over-brown. Fix: Use light-colored baking sheets to promote even, gentle browning for a holiday favorite.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Delightful Linzer Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their wonderfully tender texture.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze these holiday favorites in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Their buttery dough and sweet jam center preserve beautifully.
• Reheat: To refresh frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours. For a warm treat, place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes until just warm.

Always ensure your Delightful Linzer Cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their pretty appearance and crisp texture.

Conclusion

These Delightful Linzer Cookies are a holiday favorite, wonderfully tender and buttery with a sweet jam center. If you love raspberry-filled treats, try our Best Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies Ready in 30 Minutes. Share your baking results in the comments and subscribe for more festive recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make the dough for Delightful Linzer Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes these holiday favorite cookies convenient for busy schedules.

What type of jam works best for the filling?

Raspberry or apricot jam is traditional and provides a lovely contrast to the buttery cookie. Ensure the jam is thick and seedless for the prettiest presentation in your Delightful Linzer Cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting. Also, bake the cookies on a cool baking sheet. This helps maintain their delicate shape and tender texture.