Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe
These Easy 5-Ingredient Linzer Cookies are a wonderfully soft and sweet treat, perfect for any occasion. With a simple shortbread base and a jam-filled center, they are delightfully simple to make. For another classic take, see the Classic Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies Recipe. If you love almond flavors, you might also enjoy these Easy Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies (Family Favorite).
Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (left out at room temperature for 10 minutes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1–2 cups raspberry or strawberry jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Slow the mixer to low, then add in the flour until combined, but don't overmix.
- Dump out the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, then place another sheet on top. Use a rolling pin to flatten out the dough to be about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place the flattened/covered dough on a cookie sheet, then refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place a sheet of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
- Use the linzer cookie cutouts (one should be plain, and one should have the heart cut-out, OR you can use the bottom of a small glass for half the cookies, and use a heart cutout in the center of the other half), to make half the cookies plain and half the cookies with the heart cut-out. Place the cut out cookies onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Place the cookie sheet into the freezer for 3-5 minutes, then bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should not be brown, so keep an eye on them. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar on the heart cut-out cookies (on top on the outside), then spread on the jam on the inside of the plain cookies. Sandwich them together with the powdered sugar hearts on top.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for best taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my Linzer cookies soft?
The key to soft and sweet Linzer cookies is not overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just barely set. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, resulting in a perfectly tender texture.
Can I use a different jam for the filling?
Yes, raspberry jam is traditional, but you can use any seedless jam you prefer. For the best flavor pairing with these soft and sweet Linzer cookies, try blackberry, apricot, or a thick strawberry preserves.
Why did my cookie dough crack when I rolled it?
If the dough is too cold, it can crack. Let it warm up slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before rolling. If it’s too dry, a teaspoon of milk can help bind it, ensuring your soft and sweet Linzer cookies hold their shape.
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