Linzer Cookies Recipe

Linzer cookies are one of those timeless treats that instantly transport you to a world of nostalgia and comfort. Originating from Austria, these delicate sandwich cookies are not only beautiful to look at but also taste as exquisite as they appear. With their buttery texture, nutty undertone, and sweet jam filling, Linzer cookies are perfect for festive occasions, afternoon tea, or simply indulging in a sweet moment. In this blog post, we will walk you through everything you need to know to create these lovely cookies at home—from ingredients and techniques to baking tips and serving suggestions.

A Brief History of Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies have their roots in the Austrian city of Linz, hence the name. They are inspired by the famous Linzer Torte, which is known as one of the oldest recorded cake recipes in the world. The Linzer Torte traditionally consists of a buttery dough made with almonds, filled with fruit preserves, and topped with a lattice crust. Over time, the torte evolved into the smaller, more decorative cookie version that we know and love today.

Linzer cookies have since become popular throughout Europe and North America, especially during the holiday season. Their elegant appearance, featuring a cut-out top cookie revealing a peek of glossy jam, makes them a favorite on festive cookie trays.

What Makes Linzer Cookies So Special?

There are several features that set Linzer cookies apart from other sandwich cookies:

1. Nutty Dough: Ground blanched almonds give the cookie dough a rich, slightly nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the jam.

2. Tender Texture: Thanks to the combination of butter, powdered sugar, and almonds, Linzer cookies are delicate and melt in your mouth.

3. Beautiful Presentation: The iconic cut-out window on the top cookie adds visual charm, making them look just as delightful as they taste.

4. Versatility in Fillings: While raspberry jam is traditional, you can customize the filling to your taste—apricot, strawberry, red currant, or even lemon curd work beautifully.

Ingredients for Linzer Cookies

To make approximately 20 sandwich cookies (40 individual cookies), you will need:

For the Dough:

• 250 g all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)

• 150 g cold butter, cubed (about ⅔ cup)

• 100 g ground blanched almonds (about 1 cup)

• 100 g powdered sugar (about ¾ cup)

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• Jam of your choice (raspberry, apricot, or strawberry are great options)

For Decoration:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, ground almonds, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and quickly knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough ensures it is firm enough to roll and cut cleanly.

Step 2: Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) if using a fan oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 3 to 4 millimeters. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes of your choice—rounds, hearts, flowers, or stars all work well. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out a hole in the center. These will be your top cookies.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Gather and re-roll the dough scraps as needed, chilling the dough again if it becomes too soft.

Step 3: Baking the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them after the 9-minute mark. They should remain light in color with just a hint of golden brown on the edges.

When you remove them from the oven, they will be quite soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they will firm up.

Step 4: Assembling the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to assemble.

First, lightly dust the top cookies (the ones with holes) with powdered sugar. This step is easier to do before assembling, as it avoids dusting the jam as well.

Spread a small amount of your chosen jam onto the bottom cookies. Use just enough to cover the center, avoiding too much jam that could ooze out the sides.

Gently press the powdered sugar-dusted tops onto the jam-covered bottoms to create a sandwich.

Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps the dough stay crumbly and delicate.

• Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking and helps keep the shapes neat.

• Work quickly: If your kitchen is warm, the dough may soften quickly. Work in batches and keep unused dough chilled.

• Choose smooth jams: Seedless jam works best for a clean look and smoother texture.

• Store properly: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed immediately, but their flavor and texture often improve after a day as the cookies soften slightly from the jam.

Serving Suggestions

Linzer cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can also pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a charming afternoon treat. They make beautiful gifts during the holidays when wrapped in cellophane bags or placed in decorative tins.

If you want to add variety to your cookie tray, consider making a few different shapes or using an assortment of jams for a colorful selection. Their elegant appearance also makes them a great choice for special occasions like baby showers, bridal teas, or Christmas parties.

Final Thoughts

Linzer cookies are more than just a pretty face—they’re a delicious testament to European baking tradition. Their combination of delicate almond shortbread and fruity jam filling is truly irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner trying something new, this recipe offers a straightforward path to bakery-worthy results.

So take some time, gather your ingredients, and bring a bit of Austrian charm into your kitchen. You’ll find that making Linzer cookies is as rewarding as enjoying them.

Must try Cherry Hazelnut Budapest Roll Recipe

Linzer Cookies Recipe

Delicate and buttery Linzer Cookies filled with fruity jam, perfect for holidays or teatime. Try this classic recipe for a sweet treat.

Type: Dessert, Cookies

Cuisine: Austrian, European

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

Recipe Yield: Approx. 20 sandwich cookies

Calories: Approx. 120–150 calories per cookie (varies based on jam used)

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)

Recipe Ingredients:

• 250 g all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
• 150 g cold, cubed butter (about ⅔ cup)
• 100 g ground blanched almonds (about 1 cup)
• 100 g powdered sugar (about ¾ cup)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Jam of your choice (for filling)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Recipe Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, ground almonds, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and quickly knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough ensures it is firm enough to roll and cut cleanly.

Step 2: Rolling and Cutting the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) if using a fan oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 3 to 4 millimeters. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes of your choice—rounds, hearts, flowers, or stars all work well. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out a hole in the center. These will be your top cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Gather and re-roll the dough scraps as needed, chilling the dough again if it becomes too soft.

Step 3: Baking the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them after the 9-minute mark. They should remain light in color with just a hint of golden brown on the edges. When you remove them from the oven, they will be quite soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they will firm up.

Step 4: Assembling the Cookies:

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to assemble. First, lightly dust the top cookies (the ones with holes) with powdered sugar. This step is easier to do before assembling, as it avoids dusting the jam as well. Spread a small amount of your chosen jam onto the bottom cookies. Use just enough to cover the center, avoiding too much jam that could ooze out the sides. Gently press the powdered sugar-dusted tops onto the jam-covered bottoms to create a sandwich.