Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love how soft and sweet these Linzer cookies turn out every time I bake them. The delicate balance of buttery dough with just a hint of almond, paired with that sweet, fruity jam center, makes this Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for holiday gatherings, a cozy weekend treat, or a special gift, these cookies bring both charm and comfort in every bite.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to get that classic Linzer look without fussing endlessly over tricky dough or brittle cookies. You’ll find that these cookies are not only adorable and delicious but wonderfully soft—a texture contrast that’s just perfect with the rich jam. Trust me, once you make these, they might just become your go-to cookie recipe for every get-together.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine to create that melt-in-your-mouth cookie dough which is perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture. I prefer simple pantry staples, and the jam makes all the flavor magic happen.

• Unsalted butter: Bring to room temperature to ensure easy creaming and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Provides the right sweetness and helps with that lovely slight crunch.
• Salt: Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness—don’t skip it!
• Eggs: Bind the dough while adding richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
• Almond extract: That subtle nutty note gives the cookies a classic Linzer character.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the dough; provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
• Raspberry or strawberry jam: Choose your favorite—or swap with apricot for a traditional touch!
• Powdered sugar: For a dusting that adds sweetness and a charming finish.

Variations

I love tweaking the Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. Feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings to make it your own!

• Jam swaps: I’ve used apricot, boysenberry, or even a tangy lemon curd to great effect—each brings its own brightness.
• Nut-free version: You can skip the almond extract if allergies are an issue—it won’t compromise the dough’s texture.
• Gluten-free option: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep an eye on dough consistency as it might need slight adjustment.
• Shapes and cutouts: You don’t have to stick to hearts—stars, circles, or your favorite holiday shapes work beautifully too!

How to Make Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by letting your butter sit out until it’s just soft enough to press your finger into but not melted. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt together. This process is where you build the cookie’s tender crumb—make sure to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This little patience pays off big time in texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add in your eggs one at a time with the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix these on medium speed until everything’s combined and smooth—your dough is starting to come together now! The almond extract is subtle but essential; it gives that classic Linzer cookie flavor you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Slow your mixer down to low and add the flour gradually. Stir just until the dough comes together—be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could turn out tougher than you want. When the dough is slightly crumbly but holds when pressed, you’re good to go. Then dump the dough onto parchment paper and flatten it out using another sheet on top to about 1/8-inch thickness. This makes rolling and cutting easy and clean.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Place your flattened dough (parchment sandwich and all) on a baking sheet, then pop it into the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up. This chilling step is crucial—it helps prevent spreading during baking, so your cookies keep those cute shapes.

Step 5: Cut Out the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a clean cookie sheet lined with parchment, use your Linzer cookie cutters to cut half the cookies with the classic heart-shaped window and the other half plain. If you don’t have Linzer cutters, you can use a small glass for the plain circles and a smaller cutter for the center cutout. This variation works great! Freeze the cut dough pieces for 3-5 minutes before baking—this helps the cookies hold their shape beautifully.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them—edges should stay pale and not brown. The moment the cookies look set but soft, pull them out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack; this prevents the jam from melting when you assemble later.

Step 7: Assemble Your Linzer Sandwiches

Dust the cookies with the cutout window with powdered sugar for that charming snowy effect—this always gets compliments! Then spread about a teaspoon of your favorite jam on the plain bases and sandwich the powdered cookies on top. The jam should peek through the heart windows, making them look irresistible.

How to Serve Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple with just powdered sugar on the top cookie—it’s classic and looks so elegant! Sometimes I add a tiny fresh raspberry on the side or a sprig of mint on the plate when serving guests to add a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, a fresh latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. For festive occasions, I like serving them alongside spiced cider or mulled wine—it’s a crowd favorite.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had success layering these Linzer cookies in clear jars tied with ribbon as thoughtful gifts. For holiday parties, arrange them on pretty platters with fresh fruit and edible flowers for a charming display. You can also stack them with parchment circles in between for an elegant dessert tower.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, I store these Linzer cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the jam fresh and maintain a soft texture. They stay delicious for up to a week, though I have to admit they rarely last that long in my kitchen!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cut cookie dough sheets before baking or freeze baked cookie halves separately (without assembling). Just thaw overnight in the fridge and add jam before serving for the freshest taste.

Reheating

These cookies really don’t need reheating, but if you want to warm one up, pop a sandwich cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. It restores a bit of that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness without melting the jam too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the recipe I reach for when I want to impress without stress. The buttery, tender dough paired with jam and powdered sugar is a simple yet stunning treat that never fails to bring smiles. I hope when you try this, you find the same joy and ease in making and sharing these delightful cookies with your loved ones.

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