Linzer Cookies

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Dive into the sweet tradition of Linzer Cookies! These picture perfect cookies with yummy fillings are great for holidays and occasions.

Linzer cookies on a cutting board
Featured with this recipe
  1. Ingredients in Linzer Cookies
  2. What are Linzer cookies?
  3. Flavors and Fillings
  4. A Cookie for Any Occasion
  5. Recipe Tip
  6. Storing Leftover Cookies
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Christmas Cookies
  9. How to Make Linzer Cookies
  10. Linzer Cookies Recipe

Delicate and sweet with a soft shortbread crumble, these cookies are the star of any plate they are on. These cute sandwich cookies are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, tea time, or just a happy moment to yourself. Jam-filled, they are wonderfully sweet and look almost too good to eat! This cookie recipe is a classic and one worth learning how to make!

Ingredients in Linzer Cookies

  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Lemon Zest
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Almond Extract
  • Egg Yolk
  • All Purpose Flour
  • Almond Flour
  • Salt
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Seedless Raspberry Jam or Lemon Curd
Linzer cookies stacked on a cutting board


What are Linzer cookies?

A brief history of the Linzer Cookie- born in Linz, Austria, this cookie is based off the Linzer Torte, a torte that looks similar to the cookie in the way that there is a window showing jam or filling inside between layers. One of the oldest tortes in the world, it is understood that the Linzer Torte found its beginnings in the 1700s in an Austrian abbey. It was brought to the US in the 1850s.

Flavors and Fillings

Fill your cookie with anything you’d like! Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Nutella
  • Peanut butter
  • Cookie butter
  • Caramel
  • Apricot jam
  • Strawberry jam
  • Chocolate ganache
  • Cream or custard
shortbread circles topped with jam and lemon curd on a wire rack

A favorite among friends, neighbors, coworkers, and beyond, these cookies make the perfect gift. Added to a Christmas cookie plate or tucked inside a cookie tin, I can promise these are the first cookies to be eaten.

Recipe Tip

Linzer cookies on a wire rack

Let the filled and topped cookies sit for about 15 minutes to allow them to fully sandwich together.

Storing Leftover Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Linzer cookies on a cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze Linzer Cookies?

Yes, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw overnight and enjoy.

Are Linzer Cookies gluten free?

Our recipe contains all purpose flour, so it is not gluten free. But, gluten free Linzer Cookie recipes exist!

How to package Linzer Cookies?

You could put them in a cookie tin, wrap them in cellophane, or in a glass or metal jar.

Why are they called Linzer Cookies?

They are named after the town they originated in – Linz, Austria.

Read Next: Christmas Cookie Ideas

More Christmas Cookies

How to Make Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies on a cutting board

Linzer Cookies

5 from 1 vote
Dive into the sweet tradition of Linzer Cookies! These picture perfect cookies with yummy fillings are great for holidays and occasions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Course cookies, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15 cookies

Video

Equipment

  • cookie cutters

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In the large bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until creamy.
    sugar, butter, and lemon zest beat together
  • Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract and mix to combine.
    cookie dough wet ingredients
  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, almond flour, and salt.
    cookie dough dry ingredients in a bowl
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
    linzer cookie dough in a mixing bowl
  • Pat dough into two equal sized discs and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. After an hour, let one dough ball sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften a little. Preheat oven to 350.
    shortbread dough patted into discs and wrapped in plastic wrap
  • On a floured surface, roll the dough out about 1/6" thick and then cut out cookies (about 2-2 ½ inches). You should be able to get about 15 cookies out of the dough. Gather the scraps and re-roll if needed. If dough becomes too sticky while working, stick it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Place cut out cookies on a baking sheet and put it in the fridge.
    shortbread dough cut into circles with scalloped edges on a baking sheet
  • Repeat the last step with the second dough ball, but before refrigerating use a small cookie cutter or the larger end of a piping tip to cut out a small hole from the middle of each cookie.
    shortbread dough cut into circles with scalloped edges with holes in the middle on a baking sheet
  • Bake the first tray of cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges just barely turn golden brown. Let cool completely.
    baked shortbread cookies on a baking sheet
  • Repeat with the second tray.
    baked shortbread cookies on a baking sheet
  • Once the cookies are cooled, dust the tops (the cookies with the holes in the middle) with powdered sugar.
    baked shortbread cookies on a baking sheet sprinkled with powdered sugar
  • Spoon a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) of either jam or curd on to the middle of the bottoms.
    shortbread circles topped with jam and lemon curd on a wire rack
  • Sandwich the tops and bottoms together and let sit for a few minutes so they can fully sandwich together.
    Linzer cookies on a wire rack

Notes

  • Get creative with the shapes! Use squares or holiday shapes to create fun and unique cookies.
  • If using jam or preserves, try to use a seedless variety.
  • Make your own jams and curds for an even tastier homemade cookie. 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 112mgPotassium: 17mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 297IUCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg

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About the author

Kelsey Crist

Kelsey lives in Washington with her husband, Alex, and two cats, Diana and Nova. Her happy place is in the kitchen listening to an audiobook and trying new recipes. When she's not in the kitchen you can find her hiking, shopping at Trader Joe's, or playing Animal Crossing. Her favorite food is pasta and Alex loves when she makes Homemade Oreos.

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