Introduction
This easy Linzer cookies recipe delivers soft, sweet, and beautiful sandwich cookies that are perfect for gifting. With a tender, buttery almond dough and a jewel-like raspberry jam filling, they look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make. For another festive classic, try the Classic Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies Recipe.
Ingredients
These soft and sweet Linzer cookies are a delightful blend of buttery almond dough and bright, fruity jam. Gather these simple ingredients for a classic treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (left out at room temperature for 10 minutes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1-2 cups raspberry or strawberry jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Timing
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 12 minutes (includes chilling) |
Context: This recipe for Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to a streamlined dough process that requires less chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become very pale, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the soft texture of your Linzer cookies.
Step 2 — Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 4 — Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until a cohesive dough forms. Tip: Avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 5 — Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cutter for the bottom cookies and a smaller shape (like a heart or star) for the top cookies. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Step 6 — Bake to Perfection
Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9-11 minutes. The edges should be just set and very lightly golden; the centers will look soft. This is the key to keeping them soft and sweet.
Step 7 — Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are fragile when warm, so handle with care.
Step 8 — Assemble with Jam
Dust the top cookies (the ones with cutouts) with powdered sugar. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the bottom cookies, then gently press a sugared top cookie onto each. The jam will set as it sits.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~2 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
| Fat | ~7 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sodium | ~85 mg |
Note: These values are estimates for one Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookie, calculated using standard ingredient data. Actual nutrition may vary based on specific brands and exact measurements used.
Healthier Alternatives
These simple swaps can help you tailor these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies to your dietary needs without sacrificing their signature tender texture and jammy heart.
- Protein-Packed Flour — Replace up to one-third of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or finely ground oat flour for a boost of protein and a subtly nutty flavor.
- Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap the granulated sugar for a monk fruit or erythritol blend to reduce the carb count while keeping the cookies perfectly sweet.
- Dairy-Free Butter — Use a high-quality, plant-based butter stick (not spread) to create a rich, dairy-free dough that bakes up just as tender.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend — A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version with a similar crumb.
- Low-Sodium Option — Simply omit the pinch of salt from the dough to reduce sodium, as the butter and jam provide plenty of flavor.
- Seed Butter Filling — For a nut-free alternative with a deep, earthy note, use sunflower seed butter in the dough instead of traditional almond.
- Sugar-Free Jam — Fill your cookies with a no-sugar-added fruit spread or chia seed jam to cut down on refined sugars while maintaining the fruity center.
- Whole Grain Flour — Substitute half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for added fiber and a slightly heartier, wholesome taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies with a cup of spiced hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat, or serve alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea for an elegant touch.
- Create a beautiful holiday cookie platter by arranging them alongside other classics like cut-out sugar cookies and gingerbread men.
- For a special occasion, dust the assembled cookies with a light snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving to make the jam filling and intricate cut-outs pop.
- Package these tender cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift that showcases their beautiful design.
- Serve them as a delightful dessert at a bridal or baby shower, using jam colors that match the event’s theme for a personalized detail.
- For a festive brunch, offer these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies as a sweet counterpoint to savory pastries and fruit salads.
However you choose to serve them, these buttery, jam-filled cookies are sure to be the star of any gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops gluten and leads to tough cookies. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears and the dough comes together.
- Mistake: Using warm or melted butter, causing cookies to spread and lose their shape. Fix: Ensure your butter is cool to the touch before creaming it with the sugar.
- Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin, resulting in fragile cookies that break when filled. Fix: Aim for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness for sturdy yet tender Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies.
- Mistake: Skipping the chilling step, which is crucial for flavor development and clean cuts. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight, before rolling and cutting.
- Mistake: Overbaking, which dries out the cookies and makes them crunchy instead of soft. Fix: Bake just until the edges are lightly golden; they will firm up as they cool.
- Mistake: Using a filling that’s too runny, causing it to soak into the cookies or leak out. Fix: Opt for a thick seedless raspberry jam or thicken it slightly by simmering before use.
- Mistake: Cutting the top and bottom cookies from the same rolled dough without accounting for shrinkage. Fix: Cut all your bottom cookies first, then re-roll the scraps to cut the top cookies with cut-outs.
- Mistake: Dusting with powdered sugar before assembling, leading to a messy, melted-looking finish. Fix: Always dust the top cookies with confectioners’ sugar after they are filled and assembled.
- Mistake: Assembling cookies while they are still warm, which can cause them to soften and break. Fix: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before spreading jam and sandwiching.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store assembled Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The jam filling requires refrigeration for food safety.
- Freezer: Freeze unassembled cookie layers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Freeze jam separately. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling.
- Reheat: For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm cookies on a baking sheet in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) if concerned about safety after storage.
For best texture, assemble your Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies just before serving to keep the cookies crisp and the jam vibrant.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making these classic Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies. If you love this recipe, try our Delightful Linzer Cookies Recipe for another festive twist. Share your baking results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes from Baking with Blondie!
PrintSoft and Sweet Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (left out at room temperature for 10 minutes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1–2 cups raspberry or strawberry jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Slow the mixer to low, then add in the flour until combined, but don't overmix.
- Dump out the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, then place another sheet on top. Use a rolling pin to flatten out the dough to be about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place the flattened/covered dough on a cookie sheet, then refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place a sheet of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
- Use the linzer cookie cutouts (one should be plain, and one should have the heart cut-out, OR you can use the bottom of a small glass for half the cookies, and use a heart cutout in the center of the other half), to make half the cookies plain and half the cookies with the heart cut-out. Place the cut out cookies onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Place the cookie sheet into the freezer for 3-5 minutes, then bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should not be brown, so keep an eye on them. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar on the heart cut-out cookies (on top on the outside), then spread on the jam on the inside of the plain cookies. Sandwich them together with the powdered sugar hearts on top.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for best taste and texture.
FAQs
What makes these Linzer cookies soft instead of crisp?
These Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies achieve their tender texture from a higher ratio of almond flour to all-purpose flour and the careful creaming of butter and sugar. Chilling the dough properly before baking also prevents excessive spreading, locking in moisture for a perfectly soft bite.
Can I use a different jam for the filling?
Yes, you can use any seedless jam or preserves you prefer, though raspberry or apricot are classic choices. For the best results with these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies, ensure the jam is thick so it doesn’t leak out during assembly or storage.
How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store the assembled Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can store the unfilled cookie bases separately for longer and assemble them with jam just before serving to maintain the ideal soft texture.