
These classic Linzer cookies are buttery, delicate sandwich cookies filled with jam and dusted with snowy powdered sugar — a timeless favorite for Christmas cookie trays. Tested twice to ensure perfect texture: crisp edges and a soft jam center that holds for days.
Ingredients
Makes about 24 sandwich cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (96 g) almond flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (240 g) raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Vegan butter | Choose plant-based butter sticks for structure. |
| Gluten-free | 1:1 gluten-free flour blend | Ensure it contains xanthan gum for texture. |
| No alcohol/pork | N/A | This recipe is naturally alcohol- and pork-free. |
| Jam | Strawberry or apricot jam | Choose seedless jam for smoother filling. |
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Make the dough
In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla. Add all-purpose and almond flours plus salt; mix until dough forms. Divide and shape into 2 discs. Chill for 1 hour. - Cut and bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness. Cut out an equal number of tops (with a center shape) and bottoms. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are just golden. Cool completely. - Fill and dust
Spread jam on the flat side of bottom cookies. Place a cut-out top over each and gently press. Dust with powdered sugar. Let set for 30 minutes before storing.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Chill dough thoroughly for clean cutouts.
- Swap almond flour for hazelnut flour for a nutty twist.
- For vibrant color, use seedless raspberry or red currant jam.
- Freeze unfilled cookies up to 2 months; fill before serving.
- Add a touch of lemon zest to the dough for brightness.
- Store between parchment to keep powdered sugar intact.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tea or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert tray.
- Wrap 3–4 cookies in cellophane with ribbon for easy gifts.
- Add to a holiday cookie box with shortbread and sugar cookies.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store filled cookies in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unfilled cookies up to 2 months; thaw before filling.
- Reheat: Not required; serve at room temperature.
- Food safety: Avoid refreezing after jam filling.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Linzer cookie dough ahead?
A1: Yes, refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze dough discs for 2 months.
Q2: Why are my cookies too soft?
A2: They may be underbaked; extend bake time by 1–2 minutes.
Q3: What jam works best?
A3: Raspberry or red currant jam offer tart contrast and hold well.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 160; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 18 g; Fat: 9 g
Print
Festive Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery almond sandwich cookies filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar — a classic, giftable holiday cookie for 2025. Tested twice for clean edges and a tender center.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (96 g) almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (240 g) raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and mix until combined. Add the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt; mix just until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into 2 discs, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Cut and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc at a time to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Cut out cookies with a round or fluted cutter; cut centers from half of the cookies to make tops. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Fill and dust: Spread a small amount of raspberry jam on the flat side of each bottom cookie. Top with a cutout cookie and press gently to sandwich. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Let set for 30 minutes before packaging.
Notes
• Dairy-free: use plant-based butter sticks. • Gluten-free: use a 1:1 GF flour blend with xanthan gum. • Fill just before serving if storing longer than 3–4 days. • Freeze unfilled cookies up to 2 months; thaw, then fill.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: festive linzer cookies recipe, holiday cookie ideas 2025, raspberry jam cookies, almond flour cookies, Christmas cookies, sandwich cookies, cut-out cookies