If you have a soft spot for classic European treats, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe. These delicate, buttery cookies sandwich a luscious layer of raspberry jam and are topped with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Thanks to the ground almonds and a hint of cinnamon, they offer a wonderful texture and warm flavor that takes this familiar holiday favorite to an all-new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a charming homemade snack, these cookies are bound to become a treasured staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe truly lies in its straightforward and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role to ensure the cookies come out tender, flavorful, and visually irresistible.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies tender and flaky.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the nutty and fruity notes.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together, lending structure and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the raspberry jam beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Boosts the nutty flavor, echoing the ground almonds in the dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender body of the cookie.
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour): Gives that signature Linzer cookie crumbly texture and nutty taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
- 3/4 cup raspberry jam (or your preferred jam): The jewel in the crown—provides the bright, fruity filling that contrasts perfectly with the buttery cookie.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Finishes the cookies with a delicate, snowy look and just a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this is what gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until your batter is smooth and fragrant. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, finely ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt to blend the dry ingredients evenly. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet one, combining everything until a soft dough forms that promises delicate crumbly cookies.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disc. Wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap keeps the dough from drying out. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least one hour—this chilling step is essential to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut neatly into those charming cookie shapes.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and prevents sticking, which is especially important for these delicate cookies that need gentle handling.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Cookies
Take one chilled dough disc and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness—the perfect thickness to bake up crisp yet tender lines. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then use a smaller cutter to remove the centers from half of the cookies—these “windows” will show off the beautiful raspberry jam filling once assembled.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on the baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the cookies from breaking while cooling and keeps their shape perfect.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—spread a generous layer of raspberry jam on the whole cookie bases, then dust the cutout tops with powdered sugar. Carefully sandwich each top onto a jam-coated bottom, pressing lightly to make sure they stick without squishing the filling out. These bite-sized gems are a feast for the eyes and the palate!
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve these Raspberry Linzer Cookies at room temperature for the perfect balance of soft butter cookie with luscious raspberry bursting at every bite. They’re ideal for sharing or savoring with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Serve Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar immediately elevates the presentation, giving the cookies a snowy, festive look. For extra glam, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds around the edges or add a few fresh raspberries on the side for a pop of vibrant color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—this makes for a delightful dessert experience filled with contrasting temperatures and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe on a tiered cake stand to impress guests at your next gathering, or pack them in cute tins wrapped with ribbon to gift friends and family. You can even experiment with different jam flavors like apricot or blackberry for a unique twist while keeping the classic charm intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Raspberry Linzer Cookies store best in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to five days. To keep them from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
If you want to save these delightful treats for later, arrange the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They freeze well for up to three months, preserving their lovely flavor and texture.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, if you prefer them warm, gently heat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Be cautious not to overheat, or the jam may soften too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam in this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional and delicious, apricot, blackberry, or strawberry jams also work beautifully and provide subtle flavor variations.
What’s the best way to grind almonds for this recipe?
For the perfect texture, use finely ground almonds or almond flour. You can grind whole almonds in a food processor but be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with almond butter.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chilling the dough overnight or up to two days makes it even easier to work with and can enhance the flavors. Just keep it well wrapped to prevent drying out.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling firms up the butter, so the dough is easier to roll and cut without sticking or losing its shape. It also helps develop better texture and flavor in the finished cookie.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is your best bet. It ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze while keeping the cookies intact when you remove them.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe is truly a joyful baking adventure that rewards you with stunning, flavorful cookies perfect for any occasion. Sharing these buttery, jam-filled treasures with loved ones is a fantastic way to spread happiness and warmth. So roll up your sleeves, invite some cheerful music into your kitchen, and bake these delightful cookies—you won’t regret it!
Print
Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Raspberry Linzer Cookies are delicate, buttery sandwich cookies filled with sweet and tangy raspberry jam. These classic Austrian-inspired treats combine a tender almond-spiced dough with a dusting of powdered sugar, making them perfect for festive occasions or anytime you crave a sophisticated yet simple dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping
- 3/4 cup raspberry jam (or your preferred jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Make the dough: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out rounds. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out the center to create a window for the jam.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the cookies: Spread raspberry jam evenly on the bottom halves (solid cookies). Dust the tops (cookies with cut-out centers) generously with powdered sugar. Sandwich the jam-covered bottoms with the powdered sugar tops carefully.
- Serve: Enjoy these cookies at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
Notes
- To achieve the best texture, chill the dough well before rolling it out.
- Use finely ground almonds or almond flour for a smoother dough and better cookie texture.
- Feel free to use other fruit jams if raspberry is not preferred.
- Make sure cookies are completely cool before assembling to prevent jam from melting or the powdered sugar from dissolving.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
