Sweet Linzer Jam Cookies

Category: Desserts That Transform Moments

These almond-based Linzer cookies have a sweet raspberry jam center and a light, sugary touch. They're perfect for adding color and flavor to your holiday dessert spread. Easy to bake and share!

A woman in a white chef's coat smiles for the camera.
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:33:12 GMT
A tray of cookies topped with sugar, showing red jam through star-shaped cuts, sitting on a cooling rack. Pin
A tray of cookies topped with sugar, showing red jam through star-shaped cuts, sitting on a cooling rack. | chefmiarecipes.com

Traditional Austrian Linzer Treats

I first discovered these delightful Linzer treats while watching my grandma bake, and they've become a must-have during my holiday baking sessions. The crumbly buttery base combined with tangy raspberry filling makes each bite absolutely wonderful. Believe me, although these treats look fancy, they're actually quite easy to whip up in your home kitchen.

The Origins Behind These Charming Treats

These pretty sweets come from Linz, Austria, where they began as a larger dessert. The original version featured a fancy lattice top with black currant jam underneath. I adore how these little cookies pack all that rich history into a cute, more sugary form.

What Makes These Treats Stand Out

  • Buttery base: The cookie portion is like butter paradise. They simply melt when you bite them, with that ideal shortbread feel I've tweaked over many years.
  • Fruit filling: Though raspberry's the classic pick in my house, I often try different jams based on what I'm feeling. If you've got homemade jam, that works great too.
  • Sugar coating: A gentle sprinkling of powdered sugar creates their iconic appearance and brings just enough extra sweetness to finish them off.
A cooling rack holds an assortment of flower-shaped cookies with jam filling and powdered sugar dusting. Pin
A cooling rack holds an assortment of flower-shaped cookies with jam filling and powdered sugar dusting. | chefmiarecipes.com

Why These Will Become Your Favorite Treats

Quick to Make
The mixture comes together with no fuss. Just add your jam between two pieces press them together and dust with sugar thats all there is to it.
Visually Stunning
Whenever I serve these at parties folks think I spent forever making them. Their pretty look always gets praise and no one needs to know how simple they really are.
Great for Gifting
These treats combine everything wonderful butter jam and sugar in one gorgeous package. They always get a special spot on my holiday cookie trays.

Tools You'll Need

Let me show you all the stuff you'll want to gather before starting these amazing treats. You'll find the complete instructions with step-by-step directions waiting for you down below.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How long will these cookies stay good?

When kept in an airtight container, they'll taste fresh for up to a week. The jam keeps them nice and soft too!

→ Is it okay to prep the dough early?

Yes! You can make the dough in advance and leave it in the fridge overnight. Chilling helps them bake better too.

→ Can I swap the raspberry jam for something else?

Definitely! Try thicker preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry for a variety of flavors.

→ Why does the dough need to chill?

Chilling makes the dough firmer and rolling more manageable. It also stops the cookies from spreading in the oven.

→ Can I freeze these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can freeze them before adding the jam. Just thaw, fill them, and sprinkle with sugar when ready to enjoy!

Holiday Linzer Cookies

Almond sandwich cookies filled with jam and sprinkled with sugar. A fun, sweet treat for the holidays and cookie swaps.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Sweet Comfort

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Recipe Cuisine: American

Recipe Yield: 30 Number of Servings (30 cookie sandwiches)

Dietary Categories: Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

01 1/2 cup butter (one stick).
02 2 large eggs.
03 2 1/2 cups white, all-purpose flour.
04 1 teaspoon vanilla essence.
05 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar.
06 1/4 teaspoon of table salt.
07 1 cup of raspberry jam.
08 2 cups ground, slivered almonds.
09 Extra powdered sugar for topping.

Steps to Make It

Step 01

Whip the butter and powdered sugar together—keep going till it’s nice and smooth.

Step 02

Crack the eggs in, pour the vanilla, sprinkle in the salt, and mix until it all comes together.

Step 03

Finely grind the almonds in a blender, then mix them with the butter combo.

Step 04

Add the flour gradually and stir until you’ve got a smooth dough.

Step 05

Separate the dough into two flat discs, then cover them tightly in plastic wrap.

Step 06

Pop the dough in the fridge for a few hours or let it rest overnight.

Step 07

Roll the dough thinly and cut cookies in pairs.

Step 08

For half of the cookies, cut out small circles or shapes in the center.

Step 09

Line them up neatly on baking trays.

Step 10

Cook for 8–10 minutes at 350°F.

Step 11

Leave the baked cookies on a wire rack until completely cooled.

Step 12

Lay some raspberry jam on the flat cookies.

Step 13

Dust the cookies with cut-out centers with a little powdered sugar.

Step 14

Sandwich a jam-topped cookie and a sugared cookie together.

Extra Information

  1. Classic sandwich cookies often made for special occasions.
  2. Pick any shapes you like for your cookie cutters!
  3. Dust the cutters with flour so your dough doesn't stick.
  4. Bake those leftover little center cutouts separately.
  5. Great for gifting or swapping treats with friends.

Essential Tools

  • Mixer (hand or stand).
  • A blender or food processor.
  • Big and small cookie cutters.
  • Rolling pin for flattening dough.
  • Rack to let cookies cool.
  • Baking trays.

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Almonds (nuts).
  • Flour (contains gluten).
  • Butter (dairy).
  • Eggs.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These figures are for general reference and shouldn’t replace expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 166
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 23 grams
  • Protein Content: 3 grams