If you have a soft spot for buttery, tender cookies paired with a burst of fruity goodness, this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to treat. These delicate, almond-scented cookies sandwich a luscious layer of raspberry jam, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these classic cookies bring joy and a touch of elegance to any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering that tender crumb, the rich almond undertone, and the vibrant pop of raspberry that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides rich creaminess and tender texture, so be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely lightness when creamed with butter.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for a smooth dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the nutty note that’s signature to Linzer cookies.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and that classic cookie crumb.
- Finely ground almonds or almond flour (1 cup): Contributes a tender, nutty texture that sets these cookies apart.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Offers subtle spice that complements the almond and raspberry beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens the overall flavors.
- Raspberry jam (3/4 cup): The star filling that adds vibrant, fruity brightness and a lovely sticky texture.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting the top cookies, adding a snowy, elegant finish.
How to Make Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the dough
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy—that’s the secret to a delicate cookie texture. Then, add the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing everything until it’s perfectly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix the dry into the wet until a smooth dough forms, ready for chilling.
Step 2: Chill the dough
Divide the dough in half for easier handling. Shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic, and pop them into the fridge for at least one hour. This chilling step is essential—it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and ensuring your cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Preheat the oven
While the dough chills, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This setup helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
Step 4: Roll out the dough
Once chilled, roll out one disc on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes—traditionally rounds or hearts work wonderfully. For half the cookies, press out smaller shapes in the center to create the classic Linzer cookie openings that show off the jam filling.
Step 5: Bake the cookies
Arrange cookies on your prepared sheets, giving them a little space to expand. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden—watch closely, as these cookies bake quickly! After baking, let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Assemble the cookies
Spread raspberry jam generously on the bottom halves of your cookies. Dust the top halves with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish. Finally, sandwich the two parts together—this step brings that iconic Linzer cookie look and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth burst of flavor.
Step 7: Serve
These treats taste best at room temperature when the jam is soft and the cookies are perfectly tender. Serve them up with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an unforgettable cozy moment.
How to Serve Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar right before serving adds a charming snowy look. For a festive twist, you can also add a few fresh raspberries or a mint leaf on the side for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a creamy cup of hot chocolate, black tea, or a fresh latte. Their sweet and nutty flavor acts as the perfect companion to warm, comforting drinks or even a light scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange your Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter or tie cookie stacks with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich small edible flowers between cookies along with the jam for an elegant visual surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing parchment paper between layers will help prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or the assembled cookies after baking. For the dough, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out. For baked cookies, store in an airtight container with parchment layers and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Reheat cookies lightly in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes to revive their freshness. Be careful not to overheat, as they can dry out quickly.
FAQs
Can I use other jam flavors in this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry is the classic choice, you can experiment with apricot, strawberry, or even blackberry jam depending on your taste and seasonal availability.
Is it necessary to use almond flour for these cookies?
The almond flour adds that signature nutty flavor and tender crumb, but finely ground almonds work just as well if you prefer a more textured bite.
How thin should I roll out the dough for the perfect cookie?
Rolling the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness gives you a delicate cookie that holds up well without being too thick or doughy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for best results.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from sticking to the cutter?
Dipping your cookie cutter in flour before each cut helps prevent sticking and keeps your shapes clean and crisp.
Final Thoughts
Making these Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe at home is such a joyful experience—each step brings you closer to a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re gifting them to friends or savoring them yourself, they’re sure to bring a smile with every crumb. Give this recipe a whirl and watch these classic cookies become a beloved part of your baking repertoire!
Print
Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are delicate, buttery sandwich cookies filled with sweet and tangy raspberry jam. Featuring ground almonds and a hint of cinnamon, they offer a classic European treat with a tender crumb and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive finish. Perfect for holiday baking or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping
- 3/4 cup raspberry jam (or your preferred jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Make the dough: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a uniform dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two halves and shape each into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier handling.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out the centers to create the signature Linzer ‘window’.
- Bake the cookies: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the cookies: Spread a generous amount of raspberry jam on the bottom halves (solid cookies). Dust the top halves (cookies with cut-out centers) with powdered sugar. Sandwich the top halves onto the jam-covered bottoms gently to avoid breaking.
- Serve: Enjoy your Raspberry Linzer Cookies at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute ground almonds with an equal amount of additional flour and consider omitting almond extract.
- Allow the dough to chill thoroughly for easier rolling and cutting.
- Use your favorite flavor of jam if raspberry is unavailable or to vary the taste.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Make sure to cool cookies completely before assembling to prevent jam from melting.
