Soft and sweet Linzer Cookies are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. These delicate almond-flavored cut-out cookies are sandwiched with a jam filling and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Inspired by Austria’s famous Linzer torte, these cookies bring a touch of elegance and a whole lot of flavor. Ready to learn how to make them? Let’s dive in!
What Are Linzer Cookies?
Linzer cookies are a mini version of the traditional Austrian Linzer torte. Originating from the city of Linz, this dessert traditionally featured an almond crust with a jam filling, topped with a lattice design. The cookies take inspiration from this classic and are especially popular during Christmas. With a heart-shaped cutout, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients for Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies
You’ll love how simple these cookies are to make with just a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Linzer Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Filling and Finishing Touch
- 1-2 cups raspberry or strawberry jam (or your choice of filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Equipment
- Linzer cookie cutters (or alternatives like a round cutter and a small heart-shaped cutter)
- Rolling pin
- Fine mesh sieve
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Linzer Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
Cream the butter, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. If using almond extract, add it here.
Gradually mix in the flour on low speed, stopping when just combined.
2. Roll and Chill the Dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to about 1/8 inch thick.
Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes to make it easier to cut shapes.
3. Cut Out Shapes
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Use your cookie cutters to make an equal number of plain circles and circles with heart-shaped cutouts in the center.
4. Chill Again
Transfer the cutout cookies to a baking sheet and freeze for 3-5 minutes. This helps them retain their shape.
5. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid browning the edges. The cookies should look set but pale.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Assemble the Cookies
Dust the cookies with the heart cutouts with powdered sugar.
Spread a thin layer of jam on the plain cookies.
Sandwich the cookies together, placing the powdered sugar-topped cookies on top.
Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: It’s tempting to skip the chilling steps, but they’re crucial for the cookies to hold their shape and bake evenly.
- Use High-Quality Extracts: Good-quality vanilla and almond extract make a noticeable difference.
- Choose the Right Jam: Opt for smooth jams without chunks for a neater finish.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
Variations for Linzer Cookies
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for almond or gluten-free flour to make gluten-free Linzer cookies.
- Chocolate Linzer Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
- Creative Fillings: Use Nutella, lemon curd, marmalade, or cookie butter for unique flavor combinations.
FAQs
Absolutely! While raspberry and strawberry are traditional, you can try apricot, blueberry, or even something unconventional like Nutella or cookie butter.
No. You can use a simple round cutter for the base and a smaller heart-shaped cutter for the center.
Yes, bake the cookies a day or two ahead and assemble them with jam before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies don’t spread too much in the oven
Yes. Freeze the dough or unassembled baked cookies for up to three months. Assemble them after thawing.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies
Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Soft and sweet Linzer Cookies are an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress your loved ones. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just because, these cookies bring a touch of elegance to any occasion.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on . I’d love to see your creations. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board to save it for later.
Happy baking!
Print
Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 25 sandwich cookies ( 1x
Description
Delicate and delicious, these Linzer cookies feature tender almond-flavored cookies sandwiched with sweet jam and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion, these cookies are as pretty as they are tasty.
Ingredients
Linzer Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1–2 cups raspberry or strawberry jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Equipment
- Linzer cookie cutouts (or round and heart-shaped cutters)
- Rolling pin
- Fine mesh sieve
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a stand mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. If using almond extract, add it here.
- Gradually mix in the flour on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Roll and Chill:
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Cut Out Shapes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out equal numbers of plain circles and circles with heart-shaped cutouts in the center.
- Chill Again:
- Transfer the cookies to a baking sheet and freeze for 3-5 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until set but not browned. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Dust the heart cut-out cookies with powdered sugar.
- Spread a thin layer of jam on the plain cookies.
- Sandwich the cookies together, placing the powdered sugar-topped cookies on top.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour.
- Store unassembled cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Assemble with jam before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: linzer cookies recipe easy, best linzer cookie recipe, linzer torte cookies recipe, linzer cookies with almond flour, linzer cookies sally’s baking addiction, chocolate linzer cookies, gluten free linzer cookies Nutrition (Values are approximate per serving — 1 sandwich cookie) Calories: 150 Sugar: 10g Sodium: 50mg Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 5g Unsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 18g Fiber: 1g Protein: 2g Cholesterol: 20mg Video Embed a step-by-step video or include the URL for a visual guide. This format keeps everything clean and SEO-friendly while providing all necessary details for readers and search engines.