There’s something undeniably special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and these classic Linzer cookies with raspberry filling are no exception. With their buttery shortbread base and sweet, tangy raspberry jam bursting between delicate layers, they capture the essence of homemade goodness in every bite. I discovered this recipe while searching for a crowd-pleasing treat for holiday gatherings, and it has become a beloved staple ever since. The charming dusting of powdered sugar and the cut-out designs perfectly display the vibrant filling, making them a visually stunning addition to any dessert platter. Whether you’re whipping them up for a festive cookie swap or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon treat, these elegant sandwich cookies will delight both family and friends. Plus, you can easily switch up the filling to suit your taste, inviting a world of flavors into your baking repertoire. Join me as we dive into the delightful process of making these enchanting Linzer cookies!
Why Make Linzer Cookies This Holiday?
Deliciously festive, these Linzer cookies bring a delightful touch to your holiday baking. Elegant and stunning, the charming cut-out tops beautifully showcase the vibrant raspberry filling. Versatile options are available, allowing you to swap in apricot or fig for personalized flavors. Easy to make, they require only basic skills and a few ingredients, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Perfect for sharing, these cookies are sure to impress at any gathering or cookie swap.
Delicious Linzer Cookies Ingredients
• Discover the perfect balance for this delightful treat!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; no substitutions recommended; sift for lighter cookies.
- ½ tsp baking powder – Essential leavening agent that helps cookies rise; crucial for proper texture.
- ¾ cup pecan halves (optional) – Adds delicious flavor and crunch; omit for nut allergies or consider using ½ cup coarsely ground oats as a substitute.
- 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens the dough and adds a touch of creaminess; increase for a sweeter taste.
- ⅛ tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; do not omit for best results.
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; can be omitted for a more neutral flavor if desired.
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter – Contributes richness and moisture; should be very cold to prevent dough from spreading.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough; adjust to taste and can be replaced with a sugar alternative for less sweetness.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor; substitute with other extracts for unique variations.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together; use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
- ½ cup seedless raspberry jam – The key filling for these Linzer cookies; can be substituted with apricot, fig, or your favorite jam for a twist!
How to Make Linzer Cookies
Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; set this mixture aside. Cream the cold, unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then blend in the egg and vanilla. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture until just combined. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Using a fluted cutter, cut out cookie shapes. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to create a center cut-out to showcase the filling.
Bake the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies on lined baking sheets. Chill the unbaked cookies for 5 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. Bake until they are pale golden, roughly 8-10 minutes. Let them cool completely on a wire rack after baking.
Make the Filling: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the raspberry jam until it thickens slightly; this should only take a few minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool while the cookies finish cooling.
Assemble the Cookies: Dust the cookies with cut-out centers with confectioners’ sugar. Spread a layer of raspberry jam onto the flat side of the other cookies and gently press together to form a sandwich.
Optional: For an added festive touch, consider sprinkling a little more powdered sugar on top of the assembled cookies.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Linzer Cookies?
Indulging in these delightful cookies opens the door to a wonderful spread of accompaniments that will elevate your holiday gatherings.
- Warm Spiced Tea: A cozy cup of warm spiced tea complements the buttery cookies, enhancing their sweet flavors with cozy citrus and spice notes.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy richness of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart raspberry filling, making for a decadent treat on chilly evenings.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits adds a refreshing, bright contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, cleansing the palate and balancing flavors.
- Cheese Board: A selection of mild cheeses, like brie or camembert, can enhance the cookie’s nutty notes, while offering a savory twist for your dessert platter.
- Ice Cream Sundae: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream topped with a drizzle of raspberry sauce creates an indulgent, playful dessert experience alongside your cookies.
- Sparkling Wine: For a festive touch, serve with a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco to celebrate special moments while enjoying these elegant treats.
These pairings will create a memorable dessert experience, inviting warmth and joy into your home.
How to Store and Freeze Linzer Cookies
Room Temperature: Store Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: If filled with jam, refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain quality; ensure they are tightly sealed to avoid absorbing odors.
Freezer: Freeze unassembled cookies (without jam) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Once thawed, add filling before serving for the best taste.
Reheating: Refresh cookies by placing them in a warm oven for a few minutes; avoid direct heat to maintain their delicate texture.
Make Ahead Options
These classic Linzer cookies are perfect for meal prep and can save you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can freeze unbaked cookie shapes for up to 2 months—just make sure to arrange them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply chill the frozen shapes, then bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have freshly baked Linzer cookies ready to impress your family and friends with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for Making Linzer Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to chill for at least 2 hours for easier rolling and to avoid spreading during baking.
Sharp Cutters: Use a sharp fluted cutter for clean edges and to prevent tearing the delicate dough when cutting out shapes.
Space Wisely: Leave enough space between cookie shapes on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and to prevent the cookies from sticking together.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be pale golden and not overly browned to ensure they remain tender and crumbly.
Creative Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to raspberry jam—explore other delicious fillings like apricot, fig, or even chocolate ganache for unique variations on these classic Linzer cookies.
Variations & Substitutions for Linzer Cookies
Customize your Linzer cookies with these delightful twists to enhance your baking adventure and surprise your taste buds!
- Jam Alternatives: Swap out the raspberry jam for apricot, fig, or even chocolate ganache to switch up flavors.
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans, or substitute with ½ cup coarsely ground oats to keep the texture while avoiding nuts.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet jam.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour; just adjust the liquid in your dough to ensure a smooth texture.
- Spiced Twist: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an aromatic warm spice infusion.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a delightful dairy-free version.
- Chocolate Surprise: Mix in mini chocolate chips into the dough for a surprising sweet bite in every cookie.
- Festive Sprinkles: Roll the edges of your cookies in holiday-themed sprinkles after assembling for a fun and cheerful touch.
These variations not only offer exciting flavors but also invite creativity to your baking!
Linzer Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of flour is best for Linzer cookies?
For Linzer cookies, I recommend using all-purpose flour as it provides the ideal structure and texture for these delicate treats. Be sure to sift it first for even lighter cookies!
How should I store Linzer cookies?
Store your Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they are filled with jam, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re well sealed to prevent any odors from affecting the delightful cookie flavor.
Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze unassembled Linzer cookies without the jam for up to 2 months. Simply place them in an airtight container, then thaw them before adding the filling. To do this: let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 2 hours after removing them from the freezer, then spread jam and enjoy!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, you might need a little extra flour. Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour while rolling out the dough. If it’s still too soft to handle, refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes to help it firm up before rolling out and cutting your shapes.
Are there any alternatives for allergies?
Yes! For nut allergies, you can simply omit the pecans or substitute them with ½ cup of coarsely ground oats. For those following a vegan diet, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water). Always read labels to ensure all ingredients are allergy-safe.
How long do Linzer cookies last?
These delightful cookies can last up to 2 days at room temperature if properly stored. If you refrigerate filled cookies, they can stay fresh for about a week. To keep them even longer, follow the freezing instructions for unassembled cookies!
Delicious Linzer Cookies: A Festive Treat to Brighten Your Holiday
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. Cream the cold, unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then blend in the egg and vanilla. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture until just combined. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Using a fluted cutter, cut out cookie shapes. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to create a center cut-out.
- Place the cut-out cookies on lined baking sheets. Chill for 5 minutes in the refrigerator, then bake for 8-10 minutes until pale golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the raspberry jam until it thickens slightly. Let it cool.
- Dust cookies with cut-out centers with confectioners' sugar. Spread raspberry jam on the flat side of the other cookies and press together to form a sandwich.
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