• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Plated Cravings logo

  • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer
  • German Food
  • About
    • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer
  • Contact
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home > Christmas Recipes > Linzer Cookies

    Linzer Cookies

    ↓ Jump to Recipe · By: Julia Foerster · Posted: 01/07/21 · Updated: 01/07/21

    • Share
    • Yummly
    Linzer Cookies

    Linzer Cookies are traditional Austrian Cookies that are so tender and buttery! An easy recipe for jam-filled almond shortbread cookies with lots of tips.

    Linzer cookies on parchment paper

    These little jam-filled sandwich cookies are always are hit and have been a favorite of mine since I was a child! These cookies are a Christmas favorite in our house, but they also make a cute Valentine’s Day treat, and let’s be honest I love to eat them all year round.

    Linzer Cookies are SO tender and will melt in your mouth similar to shortbread. But my favorite part is the sweet filling in the middle! You could use any jam or spread you like, traditionally they are made with blackcurrant or raspberry jam.

    Chilling the dough twice and adding ground nuts is the secret behind the tender and crumbly shortbread-like texture that these Austrian cookies are famous for! You have to give this classic Linzer cookie recipe a try!

    More cookie recipes

    • Meringue Cookies
    • Zimtsterne
    • Nutella Cookies
    • Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

    Ingredient Notes

    Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.

    Ingredients needed for this recipe
    • Butter – I use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. The butter needs to be soft, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before starting this recipe.
    • Flour – All-purpose flour works best! Make sure to measure the flour using the spoon and level method. Don’t just scoop it out of the container. 
    • Egg yolks – Using only egg yolks gives the cookies a richer flavor and makes them more tender. Use the leftover egg whites to make Coconut Macaroons
    • Almonds – Traditionally these cookies are made with ground blanched almonds. Blanched means that the almond peel has been removed prior to grinding them. You can find ground, blanched almonds in the baking aisle.  
    • Lemon zest – The lemon zest needs to be finely grated. This zester (affiliate link) works best in my experience. Make sure to only use the yellow rind, the white pith is bitter.
    • Jam – Traditionally Linzer cookies are sandwiched with blackcurrant or raspberry jam, but there are also many other delicious options!

    Fillings for Linzer Cookies

    • Jam or preserves: These cookies taste delicious with raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, or any other jam, jelly, or preserve. I recommend using a seedless and smooth jam without any fruit pieces because you can pipe it easier onto the cookies.
    • (Homemade) Lemon Curd: Goes so well with the flavor of the cookies. Lime curd works too!
    • Spreads: Nutella, cookie butter, or any other spread would also make a tasty filling.

    How to make this recipe

    Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

    Steps for making Linzer cookies from scratch
    1. Combine Sugar and Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, combine sugar and softened butter. You want it to be well mixed, scrape the bowl as needed.
    2. Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining ingredients and keep mixing. The dough will look dry and crumbly. This is normal! Keep kneading the dough for a little while longer.
    3. Dough forms: After a while, the dough will look like moister and the crumbly pieces will get bigger. Test with your fingers if the dough is ready by pressing a handful of crumbs together, if they stick together continue with the next step otherwise mix longer and add 1 Tbsp of cold water.
    4. Press together and refrigerate: Use your hands to press all the crumbs into a flat ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour.
    5. Knead and Roll: Take the dough out of the fridge, divide into two portions and shortly knead portions by hand. The dough will be slightly crumbly. Roll out the dough on a floured work surface and cut out cookies with a Linzer cookie cutter.
    6. Chill cookies: Chill cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes in the fridge.
    7. Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake cookies for 8-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
    8. Sprinkle and Fill: Sprinkle the cookies with the cut-out with powdered sugar (Image below). Pipe jam on top of the other cookies and put one of the cookies with a cut-out on top.
    Sandwich Cookies dusted with powdered sugar

    Expert Tips

    • Spoon and level the flour, instead of scooping it out of the container. Using too much flour will make the dough crumbly and difficult to handle!
    • Instead of ground blanched almonds, you can also use the same amount of ground hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans. Almond flour works too!
    • After chilling the dough divide it into smaller portions to make kneading easier. Because of the butter, this dough will get hard when chilled, but kneading it makes it easy to roll out.
    • If the dough gets too warm after rolling it out several times, chill it for a few minutes.
    • While traditionally a round cookie cutter is used, you could also use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or any cookie cutter you like. But the easiest way to make these cookies is to use a Linzer Cookie Cutter (affiliate link) that comes with little shapes that can be inserted into the round cookie cutter.
    • If the cookie dough sticks to the work surface instead of the cookie-cutter, use a thin spatula to lift the dough a little bit and sprinkle some flour under it.
    • Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet in the fridge until the dough is cold. This way, the cookies get tender and crisp!
    • Don’t bake these cookies for too long! They should NOT brown, take them out of the oven when the edges start to get lightly golden. They might look soft, but they will firm up while they cool.
    • I recommend only using a small amount of filling! The thicker the layer of filling, the softer the cookies will become when they are stored for a few days. You can use a piping bag (my preferred way) or a knife to put it on the cookie.
    • These cookies taste best after a day! The jam will infuse the cookies, and they will get a little bit softer.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is a Linzer cookie?

    Linzer cookies are little shortbread sandwich cookies filled with jam. They are a cookie-sized version of the famous Linzer Torte. The top cookie has a cut-out, traditionally three holes, and is dusted with powdered sugar. In Germany, they are also known as Hildabroetchen, Spitzbuben, Linzer sablés, or Linzer Augen (German for eyes).

    Are these cookies german?

    Linzer cookies (and the famous Linzer Torte, they are modeled after) originate from the Austrian city, Linz. But they’re also very popular in Germany where you can find them on every cookie platter.

    How do you use a Linzer cookie cutter?

    Insert one of the smaller cutters into the large round cookie cutter by twisting it into the base. Cut out half of the dough using the round cutter with the insert and push the plunger to release the cookie on the baking sheet. Remove the smaller shape from the cookie cutter. Cut out an equal number of rounds using the cutter without the insert.

    Linzer Cookies stacked on a plate

    Storing

    Store cookies in metal tins or airtight containers with layers of parchment paper between them. Cookies keep for up to 3 weeks stored in a cool and dry place. Linzer cookies don’t need to be refrigerated. The raw cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

    Freezing

    These cookies don’t freeze well because of the jam filling, but you can freeze the raw cookie dough wrapped in plastic foil. Let it defrost overnight in the fridge before continuing with the recipe.

    Looking for more Christmas Recipes?

    • Eggnog Cake – A moist and flavorful bundt cake made with eggnog
    • German Stollen – A traditional German Christmas fruit bread recipe
    • Coconut Macaroons – The PERFECT coconut macaroons
    • Cornflake Cookies – Crunchy, easy no-bake cookies
    • Butterscotch Cookies – The BEST cookies!
    • Marzipan Recipe – Very easy to make at home from ground almonds

    Never Miss A Recipe! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more great recipes and all of the latest updates.

    Linzer Cookies stacked on a plate
    Servings: 30 cookies

    Linzer Cookies

    Linzer Cookies are traditional Austrian Cookies that are so tender and buttery! An easy recipe for jam-filled almond shortbread cookies with lots of tips.
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
    Course: Baking
    Cuisine: German
    Calories: 134kcal
    Author: Julia Foerster
    5 from 4 votes
    Print PIN RECIPE Rate

    Equipment

    • Linzer Cookie Cutter

    Ingredients

    Cups – Metric
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 large egg yolks
    • 1 cup ground blanched almonds, or other ground nuts or almond flour
    • ¼ tsp cinnamon
    • 1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated

    To decorate:

    • ¼ cup powdered sugar
    • ½ cup (seedless) jam, e.g., raspberry, strawberry

    Instructions

    • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar. Add flour, salt, vanilla extract, egg yolks, ground almonds, cinnamon, and lemon peel. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press dough together with your hands and flatten into a disk. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
    • Take the dough out of the fridge, divide into two portions, and shortly knead portions by hand.
    • On a floured work surface, roll out the dough. It should be 1/5 inches (5mm) high. Cut half of the dough using a round cutter with your chosen insert and an equal number of rounds without the insert. Transfer cut out cookies to a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Chill cookies on the baking sheet for 30 minutes.
    • Preheat oven to 350F (177C). Bake cookies for 8-12 minutes in the middle of the oven until edges are very lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
    • To decorate the cookies, sprinkle the cookies with the cut-out with powdered sugar. Pipe jam on top of the cookies that don’t have a hole and put one of the other cookies on top. Let the cookies dry on the cooling rack for about 2 hours then transfer to cookie tins with parchment paper in between. Store in a dry and cool place.

    Notes

    • IMPORTANT: Spoon and level the flour, instead of scooping it out of the container. Using too much flour will make the dough crumbly and difficult to handle!
    • Instead of ground blanched almonds, you can also use the same amount of ground hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans. Almond flour works too!
    • After chilling the dough divide it into smaller portions to make kneading easier. Because of the butter, this dough will get hard when chilled, but kneading it makes it easy to roll out.
    • If the dough gets too warm after rolling it out several times, chill it for a few minutes.
    • While traditionally a round cookie cutter is used, you could also use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or any cookie cutter you like. But the easiest way to make these cookies is to use a Linzer Cookie Cutter that comes with little shapes that can be inserted into the round cookie cutter.
    • If the cookie dough sticks to the work surface instead of the cookie-cutter, use a thin spatula to lift the dough a little bit and sprinkle some flour under it.
    • Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet in the fridge until the dough is cold. This way, the cookies get tender and crisp!
    • Don’t bake these cookies for too long! They should NOT brown, take them out of the oven when the edges start to get lightly golden. They might look soft, but they will firm up while they cool.
    • I recommend only using a small amount of filling! The thicker the layer of filling, the softer the cookies will become when they are stored for a few days. You can use a piping bag (my preferred way) or a knife to put it on the cookie.
    • These cookies taste best after a day! The jam will infuse the cookies, and they will get a little bit softer.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 159IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you Make this Recipe? Tag me Today!Share it on Instagram and tag @platedcravings or #platedcravings!

    Plated Cravings owns the copyright on all images and text and does not allow for its original recipes and pictures to be reproduced anywhere other than at this site unless authorization is given. If you enjoyed the recipe and would like to publish it on your own site, please re-write it in your own words, and link back to my site and recipe page. Read my Disclosure and Privacy Policy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Free Air Fryer Course

    Tips and strategies to get you air frying...fast!

    Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

    Previous Post: « German Potato Salad
    Next Post: Gingersnap Cookies »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chris says

      December 20, 2020 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      These are so good!!! I haven’t ever made anything like them before…so glad I used this recipe :)

      Reply
    2. Nancy says

      December 12, 2018 at 10:27 am

      Do you use blanched almond meal like you use in the Vanilla Crescent Cookies?

      Reply
      • Julia says

        December 12, 2018 at 10:34 am

        Yes, you could use 1 cup blanched almond meal instead of making your own in this recipe too.

        Reply
    3. Gudrun says

      December 12, 2018 at 9:50 am

      5 stars
      Just like my German grandma’s recipe! Delicious!!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Julia Foerster from Plated Cravings

    Hi, I'm Julia! Born in Germany, I call Canada now my home and love to share my favorite dishes with you! Here you'll find hundreds of recipes, all made from scratch with lots of tips and detailed step-by-step instructions. ➝ Visit my about page!

    Comfort Food Favorites

    • Instant Pot Chili Recipe
    • Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe
    • Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
    • Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew
    • Instant Pot Chicken Chili
    • Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon

    Top Posts

    • Moist Lemon Cake Recipe
    • Air Fryer Donuts
    • Air Fryer Onion Rings
    • Apple Strudel Recipe
    • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
    • Oven Roasted Potatoes

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Policy

    As Featured On

    Press Images

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2020 Plated Cravings