Easy Linzer Cookies Recipe (with Raspberry Jam)

These soft, crumbly Linzer Cookies with warm notes of cardamom are sure to brighten the winter days ahead.

The origins of the Linzer Cookie actually began in the form of a tart with a black current preserve and quickly became a holiday tradition in Austria. Then in the city of Linz, bakers recreated the dough but instead made various cutouts and create mini tartes, or as we know them now, sandwich cookies. Over the years, different variations were created, and the most common is a red fruit jam sprinkled with powdered sugar.

For me, jam cookies are a holiday staple. It truly feels like Christmas around here when I bake my first batch of jam cookies. Over the past few years I've made Italian Butter Cookies which are also a family favorite. Sometimes I'll make thumbprints but this year I was craving a Linzer Cookie. I was making sugar cookies and decided to make a cutout jam cookie, and thus today's recipe came to be.

There are a few variations to Linzer Cookies as expected and I made a few subtle changes myself to today's recipe. For starters, I added a pinch of cardamom to the dough. The warm, fragrant spice adds a taste of the holidays that is unexpected but delicious. It's such a subtle taste too which plays well into the sweetness of the jam filling.

As for the dough, I used shortening and butter to ensure an extra soft cookie.

The filling is the fun part. You can use raspberry, strawberry, apricot, black current, even marmalade which I think would also work fabulously with the cardamom. Just be sure to finish them off with a generous dusting of powdered sugar in the end.

Frequently Asked Questions about Linzer Cookies:

1. What makes Linzer Cookies unique? Linzer Cookies are shortbread cookies known for their distinctive appearance with a cut-out window, revealing a layer of jam or preserves between the sandwich cookies.
2. Can I use a different type of flour in place of almond flour? While almond flour is traditional, you can experiment with other nut flours or stick to all-purpose flour. You really can’t go wrong with all-purpose flour.
3. How should I store Linzer Cookies? Storage is super simple. Seal these shortbread Linzer Cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and then they can be kept at room temperature for several days.
4. Can I freeze Linzer Cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze Linzer Cookie dough for later use. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in a sealed bag or container.
5. Are Linzer Cookies suitable for special occasions like Valentine's Day? Absolutely! The heart-shaped cut-outs and sweet jam filling make Linzer Cookies a perfect treat for Valentine's Day.
6. What jam flavors work well with Linzer Cookies? While raspberry jam is traditional, you can use various fruit preserves such as strawberry jam, apricot, black currant, or marmalade to suit you preference or the occasion.
7. Can I add lemon zest or other citrus flavors to the cookie dough? Yes, incorporating lemon zest or a touch of almond extract can brighten the flavor profile of the cookies.
8. Do I need special Linzer cookie cutters? While traditional Linzer cutters are available, you can use any 2-inch cookie cutter for the base and a smaller one for the cut-out window. Use different shapes for different occasions, such as heart shape cutters for Valentine's Day or laurels for Christmas.
9. Why is a wire rack recommended for cooling Linzer Cookies? Air flow. Placing cookies on a wire rack allows for even cooling and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
10. Can Linzer Cookie dough be rolled out on any surface? It's recommended to roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and ensure easy handling.
11. What other occasions are suitable for serving Linzer Cookies? Linzer Cookies are versatile and can be served on various occasions, including holidays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, tea parties, and special gatherings.
12. Are Linzer Cookies related to Linzer Torte? Yes, Linzer Cookies are inspired by the Linzer Torte, a traditional Austrian pastry. Both feature a nutty crust and fruit filling.

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Preparation Tips for Making Perfect Linzer Cookies:

While this is a simple recipe that requires only simple ingredients, here are a few tips to make sure that they come out right every time.

• Chilled Dough for Easy Rolling:
  • Refrigerate the Linzer Cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before rolling. This ensures a firm texture for easy handling.
• Flouring the Rolling Pin and Surface:
  • Lightly flour your rolling pin and the surface where you'll be rolling out the dough. This prevents sticking and ensures smooth rolling.
• Choosing the Right Cookie Cutters:
  • Use a larger round cookie cutter for the cookies and a smaller one for the cut-out window. This creates the classic Linzer look. Refer to the pictures to see what I mean.
• Creating Uniform Cookies:
  • Press the cookie cutters firmly and evenly to create uniform cookies. Uniform cookies are a must to prevent the jam from leaking out the sides. A biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter works well for this.
• Handling the Cut-Out Window:
  • For cookies with cut-out windows, use a smaller cookie cutter or even an apple corer for precision. Remove the cut-out centers carefully. This part is tricky, but key to the cookies’ appearance.
• Butter Knife for Easy Lift:
  • A butter knife can be handy for lifting delicate cut-out cookies from the surface and transferring them to the baking sheet.
• Baking Sheet Preparation:
  • A few sheets of parchment paper make all the difference. Line each baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookies.
• Evenly Spaced Cookies:
  • Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet with enough space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
• Jam Filling Technique:
  • Spread about 2 teaspoons of jam evenly on the bottom cookies, leaving the cut-out tops for later assembly.
• Dusting with Confectioners' Sugar:
  • After assembling the Linzer Cookies, dust them with confectioners' sugar for a delightful finish before serving. Be sure to dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• Experimenting with Jam Flavors:
  • While seedless raspberry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with different fruit jam flavors like strawberry, apricot, or black currant. Any red jam or tart jam will work.
• Maintaining Consistent Thickness:
  • Roll out the chilled dough to a consistent 1/8-inch thickness for even baking and a perfect texture. This helps to ensure even baking.
• Balancing the Wet Ingredients and Dry Ingredients:
  • When combining wet and dry ingredients, follow the recipe card precisely to achieve the right balance and consistency in the dough. Prepare each in a separate large bowl, and combine only when the recipe calls for it. Too wet, too dry, or too stiff, and the cookies won't come out right. Balance is key. Refer to the recipe card for details.
• Enhancing Flavor with Almond Extract:
  • Add a touch of almond extract to the dough for a delightful almond flavor that complements the jam filling.
• Egg Yolks and Vanilla Extract:
  • Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract for a rich and flavorful cookie base.

And that is our recipe for Linzer Cookies. If you enjoyed this recipe, or have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you!

Happy Baking!

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