Name: Linzer Cookies
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 11 min
Cuisine: Austrian
Ingredients: Almonds or Pistachios (2/3 cup); Brown Sugar (1/3 cup); All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups); Baking Powder (½ teaspoon); Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon); Salt (½ teaspoon); Unsalted Butter (1 cup); Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup); Large Egg (1); Pure Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons); Jam or Preserves (½ cup); Confectioners’ Sugar (2 tablespoons)

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen, wafting through the air like an inviting hug. Picture this: a crunchy yet tender cookie with a rich nutty flavor, delicately sandwiched with bright, sweet jam peeking through. It’s a visual feast too—those charming little cookies adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar are simply irresistible. Whenever I think about the holidays, memories of standing beside my grandmother, eagerly pressing cookie dough through the cutter before she lovingly filled them with raspberry jam come rushing back. The joy we shared is etched in my heart, making Linzer cookies a true symbol of warmth and celebration.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make How to Make Linzer Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Linzer Cookies

If you’re yearning to fill your home with the heartwarming joys of baking, I invite you to make Linzer cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for gatherings, holiday trays, or just a cozy evening at home, these delightful cookies bring a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to the table. Ready to create some delicious memories? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This cookie-making adventure takes just about 1 hour of prep, making it perfect for a midweek treat.
Irresistible Flavor: The nutty richness combined with the tartness of jam creates a flavor explosion that’s both nostalgic and delightful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies look festive and charming, making them a perfect addition to any dessert platter.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a sweet snack, at holiday parties, or as an elegant breakfast treat with coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting almond flour; a delicious option for those with dietary preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Almonds or Pistachios (2/3 cup): You’ll need finely ground nuts for that rich flavor and crunchy texture. Almonds are traditional, but pistachios add a delightful twist. Use blanched nuts for a smoother finish or switch to pecans if you prefer.
Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): This adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to your dough. Light or dark brown sugar works fine—dark will yield a richer taste.
All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): Spooned and leveled ensures accuracy for perfect dough consistency. If you swap for gluten-free flour, keep the texture in mind.
Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): This helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them that tender bite.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A warm spice that enhances the flavor profile, bringing nostalgia and coziness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Even a small amount of salt amplifies the sweet flavors you’ll love in these cookies.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Softened to room temperature for creamy mixing; using unsalted lets you control the flavor.
Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Just the right amount to sweeten your dough while keeping it balanced.
Large Egg (1): Make sure it’s at room temperature, as this helps emulsify the mixture for a smoother dough.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons): Always choose pure over imitation for the best flavor—vanilla complements the nuts beautifully.
Jam or Preserves (½ cup): Raspberry or apricot are classic choices. Choose a high-quality jam with real fruit flavors for the best cookie sandwich.
Confectioners’ Sugar (2 tablespoons): For dusting the tops of the cookies, creating a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness.

How to Make How to Make Linzer Cookies

Prepare and Process Nuts: Start by placing the almonds or pistachios in a food processor with the brown sugar. Pulse until you reach a very fine crumb. This step is vital, as it contributes to the cookie’s nutty richness. The moment you finish processing, you’ll notice how the sweet scent of nuts fills your kitchen—this is when the magic begins!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture is the backbone of your cookie dough, providing structure and flavor. Set it aside, allowing the fragrant spices to mingle with the flour until you’re ready to incorporate them.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a handheld or stand mixer on medium-high speed. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes! Once fluffy, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on high speed until perfectly combined—about a minute more. You’ll love how luxurious this step feels when mixing!

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Now it’s time to combine! Add your prepared flour mixture and ground nut mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything comes together. Initially, it may seem crumbly, but don’t worry—that’s normal! Scraping down the sides will help, and after a couple of minutes, you’ll have a lovely, cohesive dough.

Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flattening them into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours—this chilling period is crucial for the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out later. You can also chill them for up to 4 days if you want to get ahead of the game!

Preheat and Prepare: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; they help prevent sticking and ensure even baking. If your dough has been chilling for longer than 3 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so it can soften slightly for easier rolling.

Roll Out the Dough: Generously flour your work surface, your hands, and your rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll out the first disc of dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Using a 2-inch round or fluted cookie cutter, cut circles from the dough. Reroll the scraps as needed to use all the dough. Repeat with the second disc—aim for about 64 circles total. This playful part makes all your efforts feel light and fun!

Create Donut Cookies: For half of your circles, take a 1-inch round or fluted cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center—these will be the “donut cookies.” This creates that gorgeous window for the jam to show through, inviting smiles from everyone who sees them! Set both types of cookies apart on different baking sheets to account for their difference in baking time.

Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking sheets into the oven, with whole cookies baking for about 11 minutes and the donut cookies for around 10 minutes. Rotate the sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning. They should be just lightly browned around the edges when done. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Assemble the Cookies: Dust the donut cookies with confectioners’ sugar using a sieve or sifter, creating a beautiful snowy top. Spread about ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam on the bottom of each whole cookie, then gently press a donut cookie on top to create a lovely sandwich. The sweet-tart jam pairs perfectly with the nutty cookie, creating a fantastic bite.

Store and Enjoy: Keep your cookie creations tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just know that the texture may slightly change when thawed, but a quick warm-up in the oven can refresh them if needed!

Storing & Reheating

To maintain the delightful freshness of your Linzer cookies, store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer-term enjoyment, freezing can keep them tasty for up to 3 months; just use an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to indulge again, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8-10 minutes, just until warmed through. They’ll be delicious, though the texture may slightly alter, so this quick warming can help regain their charm.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this makes for a creamy mix without lumps. Using a room-temperature egg helps bind everything beautifully.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just incorporated. This prevents tough cookies, keeping them tender.
Rolling with Ease: If your dough cracks while rolling out, just let it sit for a few minutes to warm slightly—it will roll out more easily! Use plenty of flour to assist in the process.
Flavor Boosts: For an extra twist, consider adding a pinch of zest from lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing hint of citrus.
Make Ahead: These cookies can be assembled ahead of time; just store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

If you’ve made it this far, it’s clear you love the idea of Linzer cookies, and you absolutely should try your hand at making them. There’s something so satisfying about crafting something delicious at home. Each bite delivers a wonderful combination of flavors reminiscent of cozy family gatherings, warming any heart. Experiment with different jams or even fillings of your choice! Get ready to savor these delightful treats that everyone will beg you to make again!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of nuts in Linzer cookies?

Absolutely! While almonds and pistachios are traditional choices, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. Just make sure to process them finely to achieve a similar texture and flavor balance.

How can I ensure my cookies maintain their shape while baking?

Chilling the dough before baking is crucial for maintaining shape. If the dough seems too soft, giving it extra time in the refrigerator will prevent spreading during baking.

What types of jam work best for filling Linzer cookies?

Classic options include raspberry and apricot, but feel free to get creative! Try strawberry, cherry, or even lemon curd for a unique spin. Just aim for a jam that’s not too runny to keep the cookie sandwich intact.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepped and wrapped in plastic wrap, then chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the discs for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the refrigerator before rolling out when you’re ready to bake!