Introduction

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).

Ingredients

These soft and sweet Linzer cookies begin with a tender, almond-scented dough that bakes up perfectly for sandwiching with vibrant jam.

• 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

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	42 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies about 20% faster to prepare than many traditional recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be very light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for creating the soft texture of these Linzer cookies.

Step 2 — Add Wet Ingredients

Scrape down the bowl, then add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on medium speed until fully combined and smooth, about 1 minute. The almond extract is traditional and gives these cookies their signature flavor.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. The almond flour adds tenderness and a subtle nutty flavor that is essential for authentic Linzer cookies.

Step 4 — Form the Dough

With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until a soft dough forms and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing. Tip: The dough will be soft; divide it in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour for easier rolling.

Step 5 — Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut an even number of bases. For half of them, use a smaller cutter (like a heart or circle) to cut a window from the center. Re-roll scraps as needed.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9-11 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are just barely beginning to turn golden. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake for a soft texture.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking. The cookies with the cut-out centers are your tops.

Step 8 — Assemble with Jam

Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam (or your preferred flavor) on the surface of each solid cookie base. Gently press a cut-out cookie top onto the jam. The jam will peek through the window.

Step 9 — Dust and Serve

Just before serving, dust the tops of your Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. This final touch gives them their classic, festive look and a hint of extra sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	24 g
Fat	9 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	85 mg

Note: Nutritional values for these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies are estimates based on typical ingredients and a standard serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These classic Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing their tender, jam-filled charm.

• Almond Flour for All-Purpose Flour — Creates a naturally gluten-free cookie with a richer, nuttier flavor that complements the raspberry jam perfectly.
• Oat Flour for All-Purpose Flour — Another excellent gluten-free option that yields a slightly heartier texture and a mild, sweet oat flavor.
• Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter for Butter — An easy one-to-one swap to make these Linzer cookies completely dairy-free while adding a subtle, pleasant coconut note if using coconut oil.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener or Erythritol for Granulated Sugar — A great lower-carb and zero-calorie sugar alternative that works well in the cookie dough, keeping them soft and sweet.
• Powdered Erythritol for Powdered Sugar — Use this for dusting the tops of the cookies to maintain the classic look without the added sugar or carbs.
• Unsweetened Applesauce for a Portion of the Butter — Replacing up to half the fat with applesauce can reduce overall calories and add moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft.
• Chia Seed Jam or Reduced-Sugar Jam for Regular Jam — Lowers the sugar content in the filling. Chia jam also adds a boost of fiber and omega-3s.
• Skip the Salt or Use a Potassium-Based Alternative — Omitting the salt or using a salt substitute is a simple way to make these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies low-sodium.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these soft and sweet Linzer cookies with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk for a classic, comforting treat.
• Serve them on a festive platter during the holidays, arranged in a spiral or stacked to show off the jam-filled centers.
• Offer them as a delightful homemade gift, packaged in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a personal touch.
• Create a beautiful dessert board by arranging these cookies alongside fresh berries, chocolate-dipped fruits, and other petite pastries.
• For a special brunch or afternoon tea, plate a single cookie on a small saucer with a dusting of powdered sugar and a fresh raspberry on the side.
• Use different flavors of jam, like raspberry, apricot, or black currant, to create a colorful and varied assortment on your serving tray.

These soft and sweet Linzer cookies are versatile enough for any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to elegant celebrations. Their tender texture and sweet jam filling make them a crowd-pleaser every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overworking the dough, which activates gluten and makes cookies tough. Fix: Mix just until the dough comes together and chill it thoroughly before rolling.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin, causing fragile cookies that burn easily. Fix: Aim for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness using rolling pin guides.
• Mistake: Using warm dough, leading to cookies that spread and lose their shape. Fix: Always work with well-chilled dough and re-chill cut-outs before baking.
• Mistake: Choosing the wrong jam, like a runny preserve that leaks or soaks through. Fix: Use a thick fruit jam or conserves, and avoid spreading it to the very edge.
• Mistake: Baking on a hot, un-preheated sheet, resulting in uneven cooking. Fix: Use cool, parchment-lined baking sheets and always preheat your oven.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries out the cookies and makes them crisp, not soft. Fix: Bake just until the edges are lightly golden; they firm up as they cool.
• Mistake: Assembling cookies while they are still warm, causing the jam to melt and slide. Fix: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
• Mistake: Skipping the dusting of powdered sugar, which adds signature flavor and look. Fix: Dust the top cookies with powdered sugar just before assembling for a perfect finish.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store assembled Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The jam filling requires refrigeration for food safety.
• Freezer: Freeze unassembled, baked cookie layers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before filling. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: To refresh cookies, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. This helps restore their soft texture.

Always allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. For best quality and to maintain the signature soft texture, enjoy your Linzer cookies within the recommended time frames.

Conclusion

We hope you love baking and sharing these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies as much as we do. For another festive treat, try our Irresistible Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies for Your Holiday Delight. Give this recipe a try, rate it, and subscribe for more delicious baking ideas!

Print

FAQs

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.