Dessert

Linzer Cookies Recipe

ByHarry Bern December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

Introduction

Linzer cookies are delicate, almond-flavored treats with a sweet raspberry jam center, perfect for any occasion. These buttery sandwich cookies have a charming cut-out top, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

The image shows several round sandwich cookies with scalloped edges, stacked or lying flat on a white marbled texture. Each cookie has two layers of light golden-baked dough with a layer of red jam in the middle. The top cookie layer has a heart-shaped cutout showing the glossy red jam inside, and is dusted generously with white powdered sugar, giving a soft textured look. The cookies are arranged with some stacks in the background, all standing out clearly against the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup raspberry jam
2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract.
Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla mixture and beat until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and beat until just incorporated.
Step 3: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Place each disk between two large sheets of parchment paper. Roll each to about 1/8 inch thickness using a rolling pin. Transfer the dough sheets to the refrigerator and chill for 2 hours, or freeze for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove one layer of parchment from the dough. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half the cookies, use a smaller round cutter to cut out a window in the center.
Step 5: Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, until lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: In a microwave-safe bowl, stir 1 teaspoon of water into the raspberry jam. Microwave on low for 30 seconds to soften. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of jam onto the bottom cookie, then top with a cookie that has a cut-out window. Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with additional all-purpose flour and add a teaspoon of almond extract for flavor.
Choose your favorite jam flavor such as apricot or strawberry for a different twist.
Chilling the dough well helps keep the cookies from spreading during baking.

Storage

Store Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 1 week. If refrigerated, allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These cookies also freeze well; freeze assembled cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months, thawing in the fridge overnight.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a round cookie with scalloped edges, dusted heavily with white powdered sugar. The cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a solid light golden-brown cookie base, and the top layer is a similar cookie with a heart-shaped cutout in the center. The red jam filling underneath is visible through this heart-shaped hole, giving a shiny, textured contrast to the powdered sugar. The cookie rests on a white marbled surface sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Linzer cookies without almond flour?

Yes, you can replace almond flour with extra all-purpose flour, but the cookies will have a different texture and less nutty flavor. Adding a small amount of almond extract can help replicate the taste.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking while rolling out the dough?

Rolling the dough between sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and makes transferring to the baking sheet easier. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it longer or lightly flour the rolling surface and the rolling pin.