Picture this: soft, buttery cookies with a hint of almond, sandwiched around a jewel-bright layer of jam and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re as pretty as they are delicious. Yep — I’m talking about Linzer Cookies, the cookies that basically define Christmas elegance.

If you’ve ever scrolled through holiday baking photos and wondered how people make those delicate, jam-filled cookies that look straight out of a bakery — good news: you can totally make them at home. They’re surprisingly simple (and incredibly rewarding).

So let’s roll up those sleeves, dust off the cookie cutters, and bake something beautiful. ✨

What Are Linzer Cookies, Anyway?

Linzer Cookies are the cuter, bite-sized cousins of Austria’s famous Linzer Torte — a nutty, buttery tart filled with jam and topped with a lattice crust. The cookie version skips the lattice but keeps all the charm: two buttery almond-flavored cookies sandwiched around jam, with the top cookie featuring a little cutout “window.”

They look fancy, but don’t be fooled — they’re actually super easy once you get the hang of the dough.

Fun fact: Linzer Cookies are traditionally made with raspberry jam, but honestly, any jam works — strawberry, apricot, even fig if you’re feeling bougie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These classic cookies are simple but rich — every ingredient counts.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional, but adds brightness)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup raspberry jam (or your favorite flavor)

For Finishing:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready? Here’s how to make cookies that look straight off a European pastry shelf (without losing your sanity).

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until creamy and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Mix in egg yolk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest. Your kitchen should already smell amazing by this point.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until it forms a soft dough — don’t overmix. If the dough feels too soft, chill it for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you’re prepping ahead).

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.

Cut out your cookies using a round (or fluted) cutter. For half of them, use a smaller cutter to make a “window” in the center — hearts, stars, snowflakes, whatever makes you smile.

Step 7: Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Cool completely before assembling.

Step 8: Fill and Sandwich

Spread about ½ teaspoon of jam on the flat side of each solid cookie. Gently place a “window” cookie on top and press lightly.

Dust with powdered sugar and voilà — bakery perfection.

Pro Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies

Want your cookies to look (and taste) professional? Keep these in mind:

• Chill the dough. Warm dough = spreading, and spreading = sad cookies.
• Don’t overfill with jam. A little goes a long way — we want pretty, not messy.
• Use smooth jam. Seedless works best for that classic glossy look.
• Dust before assembling. Dust the top cookies first so the jam doesn’t get covered in sugar.
• Store carefully. These cookies are delicate — layer with parchment paper in a tin.

Best Jams for Linzer Cookies

Raspberry is the classic, but here are some fun variations to try:

• Apricot jam – sweet and golden, perfect for tea parties.
• Strawberry preserves – classic and crowd-pleasing.
• Cherry jam – slightly tart and gorgeous in color.
• Fig or plum jam – rich and elegant, perfect for gifting.

Ever thought of going chocolate? Try spreading a thin layer of Nutella for a twist that’ll make everyone melt. 😏

Gifting & Presentation Ideas

Linzer Cookies are almost too pretty to eat — which makes them ideal for gifting.

Here are a few ideas:

• Holiday tins: Line with parchment and layer cookies carefully.
• Cellophane bags: Tie with twine and a cinnamon stick for a rustic look.
• Gift boxes: Mix with chocolate truffles or shortbread for a “cookie sampler” vibe.

Add a little tag that says “Homemade with love (and extra powdered sugar)” — people eat that stuff up, literally and figuratively.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store assembled cookies: In airtight containers, up to 5 days at room temp.
• Unassembled cookies: Bake and cool the cookie halves, then store them separately. Fill just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Freeze the dough: Wrapped tightly, it keeps for 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Why Everyone Loves Linzer Cookies

They’re nostalgic, elegant, and ridiculously photogenic. Each bite gives you a buttery crunch, a pop of jammy sweetness, and that whisper of almond that makes it all feel extra special.

Plus, they’re just fun to make. There’s something satisfying about sandwiching cookies together and dusting them like you’re a snow fairy. ✨

Final Thoughts

Linzer Cookies are a timeless holiday classic for a reason. They look stunning, taste incredible, and make every dessert table sparkle a little brighter.

So, whether you’re baking for your family, your neighbors, or (let’s be honest) yourself — these cookies deliver pure Christmas joy in every bite.

Now go grab your jam and cookie cutter — and get ready to impress Santa. 🎄🍪

Classic Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam

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• Author: Chef Mia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Classic Linzer cookies made with buttery almond dough and filled with raspberry jam — perfect for holiday baking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup almond flour

½ tsp salt

¾ cup butter

⅔ cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract

Zest of ½ lemon

½ cup raspberry jam

Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Whisk flour, almond flour, and salt.

2. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

3. Mix in yolk, vanilla, almond extract, and zest.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; form dough.

5. Chill dough for at least 1 hour.

6. Roll out and cut cookies; half with window cutouts.

7. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

8. Cool, then spread jam on bottoms and sandwich.

9. Dust tops with powdered sugar.

Notes

Use seedless jam for best texture. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Austrian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 125
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg