Festive Linzer Cookies Recipe | Sweet Holiday Cookie Ideas 2025

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

NeedSwapNote
Dairy-freeVegan butterChoose plant-based butter sticks for structure.
Gluten-free1:1 gluten-free flour blendEnsure it contains xanthan gum for texture.
No alcohol/porkN/AThis recipe is naturally alcohol- and pork-free.
JamStrawberry or apricot jamChoose seedless jam for smoother filling.

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
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Festive Linzer Cookies Recipe


  • Author: ARTICLE PINTEREST
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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