There’s a certain magic that happens in the kitchen when you bake Linzer cookies. The moment you whip up the buttery dough, your home fills with a warm, nutty aroma reminiscent of cozy afternoons spent in a grandmother’s kitchen. These lightly spiced, tender rounds are not just cookies; they are little pieces of nostalgia, bringing back memories of family gatherings and festive cookies placed on colorful plates. As you see the rich, jewel-toned jam peeking through the delicate cutouts, it’s hard not to feel a little excited. Perfect for holiday trays or an afternoon treat, these cookies truly shine the next day, when the flavors meld beautifully into something irresistible and delightful. You simply have to try making them!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make How to Make Linzer Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Linzer Cookies

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on an adventure where the warm buttery goodness and sweet jam collide in a deliciously playful manner. Making these Linzer cookies is a wonderful way to not only share joy through baking but also create lasting memories. Dive into this recipe and let the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies fill your home. The excitement is real when you think about how to make Linzer cookies that will surely impress both family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just an hour of prep and baking time, you can delight everyone with freshly made cookies!
Irresistible Flavor: The buttery, nutty dough paired with sweet jam creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies make a stunning presentation with their beautiful shapes and vibrant colors.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for holidays, as gifts, or a sweet snack with tea—these cookies fit every occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap in gluten-free flour or choose your favorite jam for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Almonds or Pistachios (2/3 cup): Finely ground, these nuts are the stars of the cookie dough, adding rich flavor and a lovely texture. You can substitute with hazelnuts or walnuts if you prefer.
Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): This adds depth of flavor and moisture to the dough. Dark brown sugar will give a richer taste.
All-Purpose Flour (2 and 1/2 cups): Spoon and level for accuracy; this creates the perfect structure for your cookies. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A key leavening agent ensuring your cookies rise perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Pairs beautifully with the nuts and jam, adding a warm spice that is comforting and familiar.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Softened to room temperature, it’s essential for creating a creamy dough. Ensure it’s at the right temperature for easy mixing—too hard and it won’t incorporate well.
Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness to the dough without overwhelming the taste.
Large Egg (1): Room temperature eggs help bind the ingredients together smoothly.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): This high-quality extract elevates the flavor, adding a delightful aromatics.
Jam or Preserves (1/2 cup): Raspberry or apricot works wonderfully here. Opt for a chunky preserve for added texture, or go smooth if preferred.
Confectioners’ Sugar (2 tablespoons): A light dusting at the end enhances presentation and adds a hint of sweetness.

How to Make How to Make Linzer Cookies

Pulse Nuts and Sugar: Start by placing your almonds or pistachios along with the brown sugar in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a very fine crumb. This mixture is going to enrich the cookie dough, integrating that deep, nutty flavor right from the start. Set this aside while you prep the flour mixture.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step is vital as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the cookies, ensuring that each bite is deliciously balanced.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth—about 3 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Scraping down the bowl occasionally ensures everything is mixed well.

Incorporate Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture and the finely ground nut mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is combined. The dough may seem crumbly initially, but it will come together beautifully with a bit of work.

Chill Dough: Split the dough into two equal pieces, gently flatten each into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to 4 days. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out later.

Preheat and Prepare: When it’s time to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—this is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Roll and Cut Dough: Generously flour your work surface, as well as your hands and rolling pin. Roll out the first disc to a 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round or fluted cookie cutter, cut the dough into circles. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and repeat until all the dough is used. With the second disc, follow the same steps to cut out additional circles—aim for about 64 in total.

Cut Holes in Cookies: Now, take 32 of the circles and use a smaller, 1-inch round or fluted cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center of them. These “donut cookies” will be the tops of your Linzer sandwiches, revealing the jam below.

Bake Cookies: Arrange the whole uncooked circles and donut cookies, leaving 2 inches between them on the baking sheets. Bake the circles for about 11 minutes—until they’re lightly browned around the edges—and the donut cookies will need about 10 minutes. Rotating the sheets halfway helps them bake evenly. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Dust and Assemble: After the donut cookies have cooled slightly, dust them with confectioners’ sugar using a sieve or sifter for a delicate finish. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam on the underside of each whole cookie, then carefully top with a donut cookie to create the sweet sandwich.

Storing & Reheating

These Linzer cookies can be stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, staying delicious and fresh. If you choose to pop them in the refrigerator, they’ll keep for up to a week. To freeze, stack them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. For a quick refresh, just pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes, restoring the delightful texture that defines these treats.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overworking the Dough: After mixing, be careful not to over-knead it; this can lead to tough cookies.
Ensure Ingredient Temperature: Use room temperature eggs and softened butter for a smooth, creamy dough.
Monitor Baking Time: Each oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies so they don’t overbake.
To Prevent Cracking: If the dough cracks while you roll it out, let it sit for a few minutes to soften before trying again.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap out the jam for your favorite flavor or try adding some zest for an extra twist!
Make Ahead: These cookies can be assembled in advance and stored, making them perfect for parties.

Linzer cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite. Their rich, nutty flavor combined with fruity sweetness creates a delightful experience. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a quiet moment with tea, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors or variations! Enjoy the baking adventure and share your delectable creations with loved ones.

Recipe FAQs

What type of jam works best for Linzer cookies?

The classic choice is raspberry jam, given its tartness that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. Apricot is another fantastic option. However, feel free to get creative—strawberry, cherry, or even a spiced pear jam can add wonderful flavors to your cookies!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or even frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.

Why are my cookies crumbly and not holding together?

If your dough is crumbly, it may not have been mixed enough to fully incorporate. Ensure that you mix until just combined. If the dough is too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water or milk to help bind it together before rolling.

Can I use substitutes for the nuts?

Yes! If you have nut allergies or prefer to avoid nuts altogether, you can use sunflower seeds as a replacement. Just grind them in the food processor just like you would with nuts. The taste will differ, but they can still provide great texture.