Cozy Linzer Cookies Recipe

The smell of toasted nuts and fruit preserves always signals that the holiday season has finally arrived in my kitchen. There is something deeply satisfying about cutting out these delicate shapes and watching the buttery dough turn golden in the oven.

The combination of tender almond shortbread and bright citrus zest makes this Linzer Cookies recipe a standout favorite. I love how the tart jam filling cuts through the richness of the cookie for a perfectly balanced bite.

Why This Linzer Cookies Recipe is a Keeper

The texture of these cookies strikes the perfect balance between crisp edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Using almond flour in the dough adds a wonderful depth of flavor that simple sugar cookies just cannot match.

You can easily customize the fillings with different jams or curds to suit any season or personal preference. I find that strawberry, raspberry, and apricot preserves all work beautifully against the nutty backdrop of the pastry.

My version incorporates a generous amount of vanilla and fresh zest to ensure every bite is aromatic and flavorful. These Linzer Cookies look incredibly impressive on a dessert platter despite being quite simple to assemble.

If you love festive baking, you must try my Zesty White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe next, or for a salty-sweet twist, the Savory Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is incredible.

Ingredients for Perfect Linzer Cookies

Here are the simple pantry staples you will need to get started:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential structure and stability for the shortbread dough.
• Almond Flour: Adds the classic nutty flavor and tender crumb that defines a traditional Linzer cookie.
• Unsalted Butter: Ensure it is softened to room temperature so it creams smoothly with the sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough just enough without overpowering the other flavors.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the tender dough together during rolling and baking.
• Vanilla Extract: I use a generous amount to add warmth and aroma to the shortbread.
• Citrus Zest: Fresh lemon or orange zest brightens the dough and complements the fruit jam.
• Jam: Raspberry is traditional, but use your favorite preserves for the sandwich filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a beautiful snowy finish on the top half of the cookie sandwiches.

My Method for Linzer Cookies

Let’s get baking with these easy steps:

1. Whisk the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl until well combined.
2. Beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, and citrus zest until fully incorporated.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.
6. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out an equal number of solid bases and window tops.
7. Bake at 350°F for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, then cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Dust the window cookies with powdered sugar, spread jam on the base cookies, and gently sandwich them together.

Tips for Success with Linzer Cookies

I always recommend chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling to prevent the intricate shapes from spreading in the oven. If the dough becomes too soft while you are working, simply pop it back in the fridge for ten minutes.

Dust the top cookies with powdered sugar before placing them on the jam-covered bases. This keeps the beautiful fruit window clear and shiny rather than covering it with sugar dust.

Be careful not to roll the dough too thin, or the Linzer Cookies may become too fragile to handle. Aim for a consistent thickness so that all the pieces bake evenly and hold up well when sandwiched.

Serving Suggestions for Linzer Cookies

These beautiful treats look stunning when arranged on a tiered platter for holiday parties or family gatherings. The snowy sugar topping makes them feel festive and elegant without requiring any fancy decoration skills.

I personally love enjoying a Linzer Cookies sandwich with a hot cup of tea or dark coffee in the afternoon. The warmth of the drink melts the buttery shortbread and jam in the most delightful way.