Linzer Raspberry Cookies are a sweet treat that sandwiches delicious raspberry jam between two buttery, nutty cookies. They are as pretty as they are tasty!
These cookies make great gifts or a fun dessert for any gathering. I can never eat just one—they always call for another bite! 😋
Making Linzer cookies is easy! I love how I can switch up the jam for different flavors. Raspberry is my favorite, but strawberry or apricot are also yummy choices!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is crucial for that rich flavor and tender texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use coconut oil, but it may alter the taste a bit.
Almond Flour: This gives these cookies a lovely nutty flavor. If you have nut allergies, you can use more all-purpose flour or try oat flour as a substitute.
Raspberry Jam: While raspberry is traditional, feel free to swap it for strawberry or apricot jam to mix things up. Homemade jam can also make these cookies feel even more special!
Almond Extract: Provides a lovely aroma, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use vanilla extract instead.
What Is the Best Way to Make Smooth Cookie Dough?
The dough consistency is key for perfect Linzer cookies. Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar well to create air pockets, making your cookies light. Make sure to mix slowly after adding the dry ingredients to avoid overworking the dough.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour. This firms it up for easier handling.
- Roll the dough evenly—aim for about 1/8 inch thick, so they bake evenly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have an easy time cutting and baking your cookies to perfection! Enjoy the wonderful aroma while they bake! 🌟
How to Make Linzer Raspberry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour (finely ground almonds)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup raspberry jam (seeded for smoother texture, optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Time Needed:
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and about 12 minutes for baking, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time. So, set aside about 1 hour and 45 minutes in total. Most of this time is waiting, which makes these cookies a breeze to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until it’s light and fluffy—this should take around 3-5 minutes. Next, add in the egg yolks along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Stir until everything is smoothly combined.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and baking powder until they’re well mixed. This helps ensure the baking powder is even throughout the dough. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until your dough forms and is smooth.
3. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal disks. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps to make the dough easier to roll and cuts down on spreading during baking.
4. Roll and Cut:
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. On a well-floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a fluted round cookie cutter (approximately 2.5 inches) to cut out cookie shapes. With the second disk, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut the centers out of half of the cookies, creating tops for your Linzer cookies.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cut cookies onto your lined baking sheets. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Once the cookies are cool, take the solid-bottom cookies and spread about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam on each. Then, place the cookies with the heart cutouts on top. Finally, dust the tops of the finished cookies with powdered sugar for a lovely finish.
7. Enjoy:
These Linzer Raspberry Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for any occasion, they also make wonderful gifts or a lovely treat for your afternoon tea. Enjoy the nutty goodness and sweet raspberry flavor!
Can I Use a Different Type of Jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry is traditional, you can easily substitute it with other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or even dark chocolate spread for a twist. Just make sure to use a jam that spreads easily!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to roll out, try chilling it for an extra 20-30 minutes. You can also sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on the dough to help with rolling.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also keep them in the fridge if you prefer a colder treat; just ensure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out.