These elegant linzer cookies are delightful Austrian shortbread treats with a delicate almond flavor and sweet raspberry jam filling. They’re surprisingly simple to make from scratch using basic pantry ingredients, and their beautiful appearance makes them perfect for holiday cookie trays or special occasions. The combination of buttery cookies and tangy jam creates a classic flavor that everyone loves.

I first discovered these charming cookies during a trip to Vienna, where they filled bakery windows with their snowy powdered sugar tops and jewel-colored centers. The memory of that perfect buttery texture with fruity jam inspired me to create my own version that’s both authentic and approachable for home bakers. I love serving these alongside my cranberry orange cookies during the holidays, or pairing them with a cup of tea for an elegant afternoon treat. Their delicate appearance always impresses guests, but the recipe is straightforward enough for regular weekend baking.

Why These Linzer Cookies Steal the Show

• Elegant Appearance: The powdered sugar dusting and jam peek-through create stunning cookies that look professionally made
• Perfect Texture: Almond flour gives these cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s simply irresistible
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough days in advance, making holiday baking much more manageable
• Customizable Flavors: Experiment with different jam varieties and cookie cutters for endless creative possibilities

Gathering Your Linzer Cookie Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Creative Linzer Cookie Variations

• Different Jam Fillings: Try apricot, blackberry, or strawberry jam for colorful alternatives
• Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the dough and use chocolate hazelnut spread
• Seasonal Shapes: Use holiday-themed cutters like stars, trees, or hearts for special occasions

Classic Linzer Cookies

Classic Austrian linzer cookies with buttery almond dough, raspberry jam filling, and powdered sugar dusting. Perfect holiday treats that are easy to make at home.

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine Austrian

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 130 kcal

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• electric mixer
• whisk
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• plastic wrap
• oven
• baking sheets
• parchment paper
• Rolling Pin
• cookie cutters
• wire rack
• fine-mesh sieve
• knife
• cutting board

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 sticks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Assembly

• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt until thoroughly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until a soft, shaggy dough just begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.
• Divide the dough in half. Gently flatten each half into a disc, wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm enough to roll without sticking excessively. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, unwrap one disc of chilled dough and roll it out to an even 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 2 1/2-inch round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out shapes. For half of these shapes, use a smaller 1-inch cookie cutter to create a center cutout for the top cookies.
• Carefully transfer the cut-out dough to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Gather any dough scraps, gently press them together, re-roll, and cut out more shapes until all of that dough portion is used. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and set.
• Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining chilled dough. Ensure all cookies are completely cool before proceeding to the assembly step.
• Once the cookies are entirely cool, spread approximately 1 teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam onto the flat, un-cut side of each solid cookie. Gently place a cookie with the center cutout on top of the jam-covered cookie, carefully aligning the edges.
• Lightly dust the assembled Linzer cookies with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve just before serving. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Notes

Add mozzarella or feta for a cheesy twist. Let dough rise in a warm oven (off) for faster proofing.

Keyword christmas cookies, holiday baking, linzer cookies

My Pro Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies

• Proper Dough Chilling: Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure clean cutouts
• Even Thickness: Roll the dough uniformly so all cookies bake at the same rate
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, but avoid excess flour in the dough
• Watch Baking Time: Bake until just golden around edges to maintain tender texture

Storing Your Homemade Linzer Cookies

• Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked dough discs for up to 3 months or baked cookies for 1 month
• Assemble Later: Store baked cookie halves separately and assemble with jam just before serving
• Make-Ahead Tip: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage

Frequently Asked Questions

More Elegant Cookies to Try

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Brown Butter Chocolate Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cookies
• Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Why These Linzer Cookies Become Instant Favorites

With their delicate texture and beautiful appearance, these homemade linzer cookies always impress both bakers and guests alike. The combination of buttery shortbread and fruity jam creates that perfect balance of flavors that makes them so addictive. Whether you’re building a holiday cookie tray or treating yourself to an elegant afternoon snack, these cookies deliver professional results with home kitchen simplicity.