Classic Austrian Linzer Cookies

Hi Bold Bakers! Full disclosure: these Linzer cookies may just be one my all-time favorite cookies–you can find 100+ cookie recipes on my website so that says a lot . My Homemade Linzer Cookies are a holiday tradition for a reason! They’re perfectly nutty and rich, super tender, and not-too-sweet. The sweet and tangy raspberry jam perfectly balances out the delicious almond flavor. Already have an account? Linzer cookies are incredibly simple to make but look so beautiful with their little hole or heart-shaped cut in the middle, showing off that sweet jam, and topped with powder sugar. I love them with raspberry jam, but you can use any of your favorite preserves!

What Are Linzer Cookies?

In the States, Linzer cookies are a popular item at bakeries, especially around the holidays. They’re basically a mini-version of a Linzer Torte, which was first made in Austria. The dough tastes like an almond shortbread, and the tangy raspberry balances out that sweetness!

What You Need To Make Linzer Cookies

Measuring Cups and Spoons Mixing bowls Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer Plastic wrap Parchment paper Two cookie sheets 2 ½ inch (6cm) cookie cutter

How To Make Linzer Cookies

These cookies are ridiculously simple, but you won’t be disappointed by the final product! Here is how you make them (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Linzer Cookies

The dough is very soft and has to remain cold for easy handling. If it gets too warm while rolling and cutting, chill it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes before proceeding. Traditionally, Linzer cookies are round, but you can use any shape you like — personally, I love hearts! We love raspberry jam for these cookies, but you can also try filling them with Homemade Ganache, Salted Caramel Sauce, Dulce de Leche, or Homemade Nutella! Or, of course, any other jam you prefer (just make sure you strain it!). Straining your jam: Heat and pass your jam through a small sieve to remove the seeds and any lumps. This leaves you with a smooth, silky jam. Don’t like waste? I bake up the cookie tops’ cutouts for little garnishes to put on top of ice cream or for those little hands and mouths that need to sample everything while baking! If you don’t have almond flour, you can Make Your Own Almond Flour using whole almonds. For this recipe, grind 1 cup (5oz/142g) of raw almonds together in a food processor until very finely ground.

How Do I Store Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies taste best the day they are made because the cookie does tend to absorb some liquid from the jam, but you can store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also make the dough in advance and store the raw dough for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 8 weeks in the freezer!