If you adore classic European desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe. These delicate, cookie sandwiches boast a tender almond-infused dough paired with a luscious layer of raspberry jam that peeks enticingly through a cutout window. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar, they are as beautiful as they are delicious. This recipe captures the timeless charm of Linzer cookies in your own kitchen, turning simple ingredients into a festive treat that’s both buttery and bursting with fruity sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe lies in ingredients that are surprisingly simple yet carefully chosen. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it’s lending a tender crumb, that nutty almond flavor, or the perfect hint of cinnamon warmth.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy dough.
- Large egg: Binds everything together while enriching the dough’s texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, unmistakable aroma.
- Almond extract: Gives the cookies their signature nutty fragrance that makes Linzer cookies stand out.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure.
- Finely ground almonds (or almond flour): Adds a wonderfully moist crumb and authentic almond flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a subtle spicy note that pairs perfectly with the raspberry jam.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- Raspberry jam: The star filling, bursting with tart and sweet fruitiness.
- Powdered sugar: For that classic snowy dusting and an elegant finish.
How to Make Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the dough
Begin this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is key to achieving that soft, buttery texture everyone loves. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, blending until smooth and fragrant. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until a dough forms. This careful blending preserves the tenderness of the dough and layers in the signature almond flavor.
Step 2: Chill the dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut without sticking. Plus, it enhances the flavors as they meld together during the rest.
Step 3: Preheat the oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup. This temperature setting bakes the cookies perfectly, allowing a gentle golden hue without overbrowning.
Step 4: Roll out the dough
Once chilled, roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness—the thinner the dough, the more delicate the cookies will be. Use a larger cookie cutter to cut out your base shapes. For half of these cookies, use a smaller cutter to create the classic Linzer “window” in the center. This peekaboo effect not only looks charming but reveals the gorgeous raspberry jam within.
Step 5: Bake the cookies
Place your cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets with enough space to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set perfectly without breaking or sticking.
Step 6: Assemble the cookies
Spread about a teaspoon of raspberry jam onto the bottom halves of the cookies. Dust the top halves—the ones with the cutout windows—generously with powdered sugar. Carefully sandwich the two halves together so the jam shines through the center. This step brings the whole Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe to life, creating a balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors with every bite.
Step 7: Serve
These charming cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing their flavors to fully come through. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring a quiet moment with tea, they offer a little burst of joy in every bite.
How to Serve Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a tiny bit of additional powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add a few fresh raspberries alongside the cookies on your serving platter to amplify their fruity theme and add a fresh, juicy contrast.
Side Dishes
Raspberry Linzer Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, especially black or herbal blends that complement the almond and raspberry notes. A mild coffee or a glass of cold milk also makes a delightful partner to balance the cookies’ sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cookies in a festive tin with layers of parchment paper for a charming homemade gift. You can also stack several cookies with jam visible for a rustic dessert display or serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a playful twist. Adding edible flowers or small sprigs of mint can elevate their look for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your Raspberry Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps the cookies fresh while allowing the jam to soften the cookie edges just enough for that ideal chewy bite.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unbaked dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking. For baked and assembled cookies, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Because you want to preserve their delicate texture, avoid reheating Raspberry Linzer Cookies in the microwave. Instead, let them come to room temperature naturally. If you prefer them slightly warm, a few seconds in a low-temperature oven (about 300°F/150°C) wrapped in foil can refresh them without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam besides raspberry?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional and offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart, you can experiment with strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry jams for different flavor variations. Just choose a thick, high-quality jam for best results.
What if I don’t have almond flour or ground almonds?
You can substitute finely chopped blanched almonds, but ground almonds provide a finer texture that’s crucial for the tender crumb of Linzer cookies. The almond flavor is essential to their identity, so avoid omitting it entirely if possible.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure your almond flour is gluten-free as well, and watch the dough’s consistency to adjust if it feels too dry or crumbly.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter, which ensures the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld and improves the dough’s handling during rolling and cutting.
How long will these cookies keep their freshness?
Properly stored at room temperature in an airtight container, the Raspberry Linzer Cookies stay fresh for about one week. Beyond that, they may start to lose their tender texture and the jam may dry out slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a bit of European charm into your home kitchen. With their lovely almond aroma, luscious jam, and gorgeous presentation, these cookies never fail to impress. Whether for a holiday gift or a special treat, they invite warm smiles and happy moments. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover just how rewarding homemade Linzer cookies can be!
Print
Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are delicate buttery treats filled with sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. Featuring a tender almond and cinnamon-infused dough, they are perfect for festive occasions or any time you crave a classic European-inspired cookie. The dough is chilled, rolled, cut, baked until lightly golden, and then sandwiched with luscious raspberry jam for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Cookie 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 Finish
- 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 fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up and develop flavor.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out the center, creating a window for the jam.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the cookies: Spread a generous amount of raspberry jam on the bottom halves of the cookies. Dust the top halves with powdered sugar, then gently sandwich the two halves together to reveal the jam through the cut-out center.
- Serve: Enjoy the Raspberry Linzer Cookies at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute ground almonds with an equal amount of additional all-purpose flour and omit the almond extract.
- Use your favorite jam flavor if raspberry is not preferred; apricot and strawberry also work well.
- Make sure to chill the dough well to make rolling and cutting easier and to preserve the cookie shape during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
