Description
Linzer cookies are buttery, jam-filled sandwich cookies originating from Austria. This easy recipe features a tender shortbread-like base, sweet raspberry jam filling, and an optional nut-free variation, making it perfect for festive baking or year-round treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Provides structure and sweetness
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Offers warm, sweet spice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour: Base structure of the cookies
- 2/3 cup (67 g) almond flour: Adds nutty flavor and soft texture (can be omitted for nut-free)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 1/4 cup for nut-free): Lightens the texture
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- 1/3 cup (160 g) raspberry jam: Classic filling with tartness
- Powdered sugar (optional): For dusting and presentation
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until light and fluffy (30–60 seconds).
- Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour (or extra cornstarch), cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll one disc of dough on a floured surface to 1/8” thickness. Cut into 2.5” circles and cut small shapes in the center of half the cookies.
- Place cookies on baking sheets, keeping solid cookies and cutout cookies on separate trays.
- Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
- Dust cutout cookies with powdered sugar.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of jam on the bottom of each solid cookie and sandwich with a cutout cookie.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit almond flour and increase cornstarch to 1/4 cup (32 g).
- Chill the dough well to make rolling and cutting easier.
- Dust powdered sugar before assembling to keep the jam window clean.
- Use high-quality jam or homemade fillings for best flavor.
- Store unassembled cookies in an airtight container and fill before serving for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 159
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Linzer Cookies, Austrian cookies, jam sandwich cookies, holiday baking, nut-free cookies, shortbread cookies