Linzer Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Linzer cookies are delicate almond-flavored sandwich cookies filled with sweet jam and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. These charming treats are perfect for holidays or any special occasion, offering a beautiful mix of nutty, buttery, and fruity flavors.

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: In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until 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 well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing the dough.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a disk about 1 inch thick, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour until chilled.
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.
8. Step 8: Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes so that half have solid bases and the other half have cutout designs in the center. For easier handling, freeze the rolled dough for 5 minutes before cutting, then quickly cut the shapes. Re-roll scraps and repeat.
9. Step 9: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Baking time may vary depending on cookie size and thickness.
10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Step 11: To assemble, dust the cookies with cutouts lightly with powdered sugar. Spread jam on the solid cookies, then sandwich with the powdered cutout cookies on top.

Tips & Variations

• Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent the cookies from spreading and keeps shapes sharp.
• Use your favorite jam flavor; raspberry and apricot are traditional favorites.
• If you don’t have almond extract, increase vanilla extract slightly and add a handful of finely chopped almonds for texture.
• Rolling the dough between parchment paper reduces sticking and simplifies cleanup.

Storage

Store Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature; powdered sugar may be refreshed by lightly dusting again before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Why are almond flour and all-purpose flour both used?

The combination of almond flour and all-purpose flour creates a tender texture and provides the characteristic nutty flavor typical of Linzer cookies, balancing chewiness and structure.

Linzer Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

Classic Linzer Cookies feature a delicate almond-flavored buttery dough cut into charming shapes, filled with sweet jam, and dusted with powdered sugar. These elegant, tender cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want to impress with a beautiful, tasty treat.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 36 cookies (18 sandwiches depending on cookie cutter size) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Austrian

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. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside to incorporate flavors evenly.
2. Cream butter and sugar: Using a large mixer bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, indicating proper aeration.
3. Add extracts and egg: Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, and lemon zest until well combined for a fragrant and moist dough.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture and stir just until the dough comes together; avoid over-mixing to keep cookies tender.
5. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk about 1-inch thick, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm.
6. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Heat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
7. Roll out dough: Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness to maintain moisture and ease of transfer.
8. Cut cookie shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut half the dough into solid shapes and the other half with cutouts for the top layer. Firm up the dough in the freezer for 5 minutes if it softens to prevent distortion during cutting.
9. Bake cookies: Arrange cut cookies on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden to achieve a tender texture without overbaking.
10. Cool cookies: Let cookies cool on sheets for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess from residual heat.
11. Assemble Linzer cookies: Dust the top cookies (with cutouts) generously with powdered sugar. Spread a layer of jam on the solid bottom cookies, then sandwich with the dusted top cookies to create the classic Linzer sandwich.

Notes

• Use good quality almond flour for the best flavor and texture.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie shapes.
• Choose your favorite jam such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for a traditional taste.
• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For extra crispness, allow cookies to rest overnight before serving.

Keywords: Linzer Cookies, almond cookies, jam filled cookies, holiday cookies, Austrian cookies, sandwich cookies