Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a classic treat that combines buttery, crumbly shortbread-like cookies with a sweet, tangy raspberry filling, all sandwiched together and dusted with powdered sugar. These cookies are not only a delightful addition to any dessert spread but also perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea. The beautiful contrast between the delicate almond flavor of the cookies and the vibrant raspberry jam creates a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.

Named after the famous Linzertorte, an Austrian dessert, these cookies are made with almond flour or ground almonds, which gives them a rich flavor and delicate texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress. The process of making these cookies is not only fun but also allows you to create a stunning final product that’s perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

The combination of buttery cookies and tangy raspberry jam creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in every bite.

2. Easy to Make

Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are simple to make and don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

3. Customizable Filling

You can switch up the raspberry jam for any other type of fruit jam, such as strawberry, apricot, or blueberry, based on your preferences.

4. Beautiful Presentation

These cookies have a beautiful, delicate look thanks to their cut-out center, which makes them perfect for gifting or special occasions.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a fun afternoon bake, Raspberry Linzer Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser and fit any celebration.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Almond flour or ground almonds
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Egg
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Raspberry jam (or your preferred jam)
Lemon zest (optional, for a hint of freshness)

Variations

Different Jam Flavors: While raspberry is traditional, you can use strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry jam for a different flavor profile.
Add Lemon Zest: For a fresh twist, add some lemon zest to the dough to complement the sweetness of the jam.
Chocolate Drizzle: After assembling the cookies, drizzle some melted chocolate over the tops for a decadent touch.
Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, try substituting the almond flour with a nut-free option like oat flour or a pre-made gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut out an even number of round cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut a hole in the center, creating a window for the jam.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there’s space between each one. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the solid cookies. Place the cookies with the cut-out center on top of the jam-coated cookies, gently pressing them together. Dust the tops with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Step 6: Serve

Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. They also make a beautiful addition to a dessert platter or as a gift for friends and family.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This ensures the dough firms up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Roll Evenly: Try to roll the dough evenly so all cookies bake at the same rate. Using a rolling pin with even pressure will help.
Use a Fine Mesh Sifter for Powdered Sugar: To create a soft, even dusting of powdered sugar, sift it over the cookies using a fine mesh strainer.
Don’t Overbake: Watch the cookies closely while they bake to avoid overbaking. They should be just lightly golden around the edges.
Use Jam with No Seeds: For a smoother filling, use jam without seeds, especially if you prefer a clean, uniform texture.

How to Serve

Raspberry Linzer Cookies are perfect for serving at a holiday gathering, tea party, or as part of a cookie box for gifting. They’re also ideal as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re looking for something extra, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Raspberry Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well! After baking, let the cookies cool completely, then layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve them warm, you can reheat the cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore a bit of warmth before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of jam for these cookies?

Yes! You can substitute the raspberry jam with any fruit jam of your choice, such as strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze the cookies after baking and cooling, either individually or assembled with the jam. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

4. Do I have to use almond flour?

Almond flour gives the cookies their signature flavor and texture, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with all-purpose flour. The flavor may be slightly different, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

5. Can I make the filling with homemade raspberry jam?

Yes, homemade jam works beautifully in this recipe! Just ensure it’s thick enough to stay in place when you sandwich the cookies.

6. Can I use a store-bought dough for these cookies?

While homemade dough will yield the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-made shortbread dough if you’re short on time. The results won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.

7. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking. If the dough is too soft, it can spread more during baking. Additionally, don’t overwork the dough.

8. Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?

Absolutely! You can use any shape for the cut-out cookies, such as hearts, stars, or squares, for a fun twist.

9. How do I get the powdered sugar to look perfect on top?

Sift the powdered sugar over the cookies right before serving to get a delicate, even dusting that looks beautiful.

10. Can I use a different type of flour?

If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend has a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Conclusion

Raspberry Linzer Cookies are the perfect balance of buttery cookies and sweet, tart raspberry jam. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a delicious treat, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate flavors and beautiful appearance. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a batch of these delightful cookies in no time. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with loved ones, Raspberry Linzer Cookies are a timeless favorite you’ll want to make again and again.