Linzer Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Linzer cookies are a delightful treat featuring tender almond-infused dough sandwiched with your favorite jam. With their delicate cutout tops dusted in powdered sugar, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for any occasion or holiday baking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (128g) almond flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup (138g) sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Jam, any flavor, for filling

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Using a mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a disk about 1 inch thick, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 1 hour or until firm.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
7. Step 7: Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness. This helps prevent sticking and drying out.
8. Step 8: Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Make half the cookies solid and the other half with cutout designs in the center. If the dough softens, place the rolled dough in the freezer for 5 minutes before cutting.
9. Step 9: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Baking times may vary with cookie size—watch carefully.
10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Step 11: Dust the cutout cookies generously with powdered sugar. Spread jam on the solid cookies, then sandwich with the powdered cutouts to finish.

Tips & Variations

• For easier handling, chill the dough frequently if it becomes too soft while cutting.
• Try raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam for classic flavor combinations.
• Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Use heart or star-shaped cutters for festive presentations during holidays.

Storage

Store assembled Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze unassembled cookies for up to 3 months. Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving and re-dust powdered sugar if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting. This helps develop flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can substitute almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the cookies may lose some of their nutty flavor and tender crumb. For the best results, try to use almond flour.

Linzer Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 115 reviews

Classic Linzer cookies featuring a tender almond and all-purpose flour dough filled with a sweet jam center and dusted with powdered sugar. These charming sandwich cookies combine a delicate nutty flavor with a bright fruity filling, perfect for festive occasions or any time you want a delightful treat.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies (12 sandwich cookies) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Austrian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (128g) almond flour
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup (138g) sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp lemon zest

For Assembly

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Jam, any flavor, for filling

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside for later use.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer on medium speed to cream the unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You will notice a change in texture and color indicating it’s ready.
3. Add flavorings and egg: Mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, and lemon zest until fully incorporated, creating a fragrant and smooth batter.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
5. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a 1-inch thick disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about one hour or until firm and chilled.
6. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
7. Roll out dough: On a piece of parchment paper, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness between two sheets to prevent sticking and drying out. This method keeps the dough manageable and clean.
8. Cut cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough. For half of the shapes, leave them solid; for the other half, cut out the center to make window designs. If the dough softens too much, chill it on the parchment paper in the freezer for about 5 minutes to firm it before cutting. Repeat rolling and cutting with remaining dough.
9. Bake cookies: Place the cut cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Baking time will vary depending on cookie size and thickness, so watch closely.
10. Cool cookies: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
11. Assemble Linzer cookies: Dust the cookies with cutouts generously with powdered sugar. Spread jam evenly on the solid cookies and sandwich them with the cutout cookies, allowing the jam to show through the window for an attractive presentation.

Notes

• Use almond flour for the signature nutty flavor typical of Linzer cookies.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading during baking and makes it easier to cut precise shapes.
• Powdered sugar on the top cookies enhances the classic appearance of Linzer cookies.
• Choose your favorite jam such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for filling to customize the flavor.
• Cookie cutters with a small cutout in the center are ideal for creating the traditional Linzer cookie look.
• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Linzer cookies, almond cookies, sandwich cookies, jam-filled cookies, holiday cookies, Austrian dessert