Raspberry Linzer Cookies

You know, I absolutely love baking fancy cookies, and I’ve got to tell you something—I discovered this really special recipe for raspberry linzer cookies that’s totally amazed me. These cookies are like, seriously the most beautiful and tasty thing I’ve ever made in my kitchen. They’re buttery, they’re jam-filled, and they have these cute little cutout windows that show off the pretty red raspberry jam inside.

So here’s the thing—I used to think that cookies with fancy cutouts and jam filling were way too complicated for me to make at home. But then I tried making raspberry linzer cookies, and honestly, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I realized that, like, anyone can make them, even if you’re nervous about baking like I was.

I mean, when I finished decorating these cookies with powdered sugar, they looked so, um, elegant and professional that I couldn’t believe I actually made them. These cookies are basically like little edible works of art, you know? They’re perfect for gifts, or honestly, anytime you want to impress people with something that tastes amazing.

So, like, I really think you should try making these raspberry linzer cookies for yourself. I’m gonna share exactly how I make them, step by step. Trust me, you’re totally gonna love them as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and Impressive: Create bakery-quality cookies that look as beautiful as they taste.
• Tender and Buttery: The combination of almond and hazelnut meal creates a delicate, crumbly texture that melts on your tongue.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with wholesome, accessible ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Perfect for Gifting: These stunning sandwich cookies make wonderful homemade gifts for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead and bake fresh whenever you need them.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes about 20-24 sandwich cookies, depending on size. Perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Difficulty: Easy to intermediate. Even beginners can succeed with attention to detail during assembly.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Medium mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• 2-3 inch round or fluted cookie cutter
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Small spoon or piping bag for jam filling

Ingredients for Raspberry Linzer Cookies

The beauty of linzer cookies lies in their simple, quality ingredients. The almond and hazelnut meals create a tender crumb, while raspberry jam provides the perfect sweet-tart filling. Here’s everything you need:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Fine sea salt – 1/4 teaspoon
• 1 cup (100g) almond meal – finely ground almonds for delicate texture
• 1/2 cup (50g) hazelnut meal – adds subtle, nutty flavor
• 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled
• 1/3 cup (80g) raspberry jam – for filling (seedless or with seeds, your preference)
• 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar – for dusting the finished cookies

Variations for Raspberry Linzer Cookies

• Different Jam Flavors: Swap raspberry for strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for variety.
• Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for bright, citrusy notes.
• Chocolate Dipped: Dip the bottoms of cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for elegance.
• Almond Extract: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a more pronounced nutty flavor.
• Smaller Cookies: Use a 1.5-inch cutter for delicate mini linzer cookies—perfect for parties.
• Pistachio Version: Use pistachio meal instead of hazelnut for a green-tinged, elegant variation.

How to Make Raspberry Linzer Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Bring butter and egg to room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and even baking. Measure out almond meal, hazelnut meal, and all-purpose flour using the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes on medium speed until light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This creates air pockets that result in a tender cookie.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla

With the mixer on low speed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond meal, hazelnut meal, all-purpose flour, and fine sea salt. This combination of nut meals and flour creates the signature tender texture of linzer cookies.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Stir just until the dough comes together—overmixing can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft but workable.

6. Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to roll and cut, and it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

7. Preheat and Roll

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness—thin enough to be delicate but thick enough to hold its shape.

8. Cut the Cookie Shapes

Using a 2-3 inch round or fluted cookie cutter, cut out shapes. You’ll need an even number of cookies (two per sandwich). For the top cookies, cut out small holes in the center using a smaller cutter or the tip of a knife.

9. Bake the Cookies

Place cookies on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. The centers should remain pale and tender. Don’t overbake—these cookies should be delicate.

10. Cool and Assemble

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, spread a small spoonful of raspberry jam on the flat side of a solid cookie, then press the cutout cookie (with the hole) on top, jam-side down.

11. Dust with Powdered Sugar

Using a small sieve or sifter, dust the tops of assembled cookies with powdered sugar. This adds elegance and brings out the beautiful jam filling through the cutout window.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Raspberry Linzer Cookies

These elegant cookies pair beautifully with any occasion:

• Afternoon Tea: Serve with hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a refined treat.
• Holiday Gifts: Package in a decorative box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Dessert Platters: Add to a mixed cookie platter for visual interest and variety.
• Special Occasions: Display on a tiered cake stand for elegant dessert presentations.
• Snacking: Enjoy one or two with a warm beverage as a daily indulgence.
• Party Favors: Individual wrapped cookies make charming party favors for weddings or celebrations.

Storing Raspberry Linzer Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cooled, assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• Freezer: Store unassembled baked cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and assemble with jam when ready to serve.
• Dough: Refrigerate unbaked dough for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients don’t mix smoothly, resulting in uneven texture. Let butter and eggs sit out for 30 minutes before starting.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make these delicate cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
• Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour and nut meals. Too much flour makes dense cookies.
• Chill Between Batches: If the dough becomes too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before cutting the next batch.
• Use Quality Jam: A good-quality raspberry jam makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Choose one with a taste you love.
• Even Thickness: Roll dough to an even thickness so all cookies bake at the same rate.
• Fresh from the Oven: These cookies are best eaten within a day or two of baking when they’re at their most tender.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie (approx.)
Calories	145
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	65mg
Total Carbohydrates	14g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	9g
Protein	2g

Nutrition information is approximate and calculated based on standard ingredient measurements. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands used and preparation methods.

Raspberry Linzer Cookies FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies without hazelnut meal? A: Yes. You can substitute with additional almond meal or try other nut meals like pistachio or walnut. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking? A: This usually means the dough wasn’t chilled enough or the kitchen was very warm. Make sure to refrigerate for the full 30 minutes before baking, and keep your dough cool while working.

Q: Can I use seedless jam instead of seeded raspberry jam? A: Absolutely. Both work beautifully. Choose based on your texture preference. Seedless jam provides a smoother appearance in the jam window.

Q: How do I prevent the jam from leaking out? A: Use a spoon to apply just a small amount of jam—about 1/2 teaspoon is plenty. Too much jam can seep out during cooling.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. You can also bake and freeze unassembled cookies, then assemble with jam when ready to serve.

Q: What’s the difference between a linzer cookie and a jam thumbprint cookie? A: Linzer cookies are sandwich cookies with a hole in the top that allows the jam to show through. Thumbprint cookies have a single indentation filled with jam. Both are delicious but visually and structurally different.

Conclusion

Raspberry Linzer Cookies represent the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. With just a handful of quality ingredients—unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large egg, vanilla extract, fine sea salt, almond meal, hazelnut meal, all-purpose flour, raspberry jam, and powdered sugar—you can create elegant, bakery-worthy cookies that impress family and friends.

These delicate sandwich cookies have a rich European tradition and bring an elegant touch to any table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, creating homemade gifts, or simply treating yourself to something special, Raspberry Linzer Cookies deliver refined flavor and beautiful presentation every time.

The tender, buttery shortbread combined with the sweet-tart raspberry filling creates a sophisticated treat that feels indulgent yet remains simple enough for any home baker to master. Perfect for tea time, holidays, or whenever you want to enjoy a moment of elegant simplicity.