If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cookie that perfectly balances buttery, nutty dough with the sweet and tart burst of cherry jam, then you’re going to love this Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe. These delightful sandwich cookies are a timeless treat originating from Austria, prized for their tender almond-scented dough and charming cut-out shapes filled with luscious cherry jam. Whether you’re making them to impress guests or simply to enjoy an afternoon with a cup of tea, this recipe brings a little festive magic right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe just right depends on a handful of simple yet wonderful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal you crave.
- Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures your cookie dough becomes luxuriously smooth and tender without any greasiness.
- Granulated sugar: This provides the essential sweetness and helps the butter and flour blend beautifully for a delicate crumb.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps the dough rise slightly, adding a lovely structure to each cookie.
- Pure vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds warmth and depth, making every bite irresistibly fragrant.
- All-purpose flour: The main body of the dough, it creates the structure needed to hold everything together without toughness.
- Almond flour: This is the secret to traditional Linzer cookies’ signature nutty aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Baking powder: Gives just a hint of lift, preventing the cookies from being too dense.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly throughout the dough.
- Powdered sugar: Used as a dusting on top, it adds a pretty snowy finish and a delicate sugary crunch.
- Cherry jam: This luscious, tart filling contrasts beautifully with the buttery dough, making every bite memorable.
How to Make Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Whipping these together until light and fluffy—about two minutes—creates the perfect base for tender cookies, incorporating air for a light texture.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg and pure vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients just until combined will give your dough flavor complexity and a slight richness, setting the stage for cookies that taste as amazing as they look.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt, and the almond flour infuses the dough with nutty goodness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry mixture gradually to the wet ingredients, mixing until they’re just combined. Scrape down the sides of your bowl to avoid any pockets of flour and keep your dough uniformly soft and pliable, ready to roll out.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the fats and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, helping maintain their beautiful shape.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your rolling surface and roll the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness. Rolling evenly is key here so that every cookie bakes to the same perfect texture and thickness.
Step 7: Cut Cookie Shapes
Use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes—whether classic circles, stars, or something festive. Aim for at least 36 cookies, as these sandwich cookies are irresistible and you’ll want many to share!
Step 8: Cut Out Centers
For half the cookies, use a smaller 1-inch cutter of the same shape to cut out the center. This little window is where the cherry jam pops through after baking, making these cookies not only delicious but absolutely adorable.
Step 9: Chill Cookies Before Baking
Place your cut shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer or refrigerator for 30 minutes. This final chill helps them keep their shape and ensures that the jam doesn’t melt too quickly when baked.
Step 10: Preheat Oven
While the cookies chill, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature creates that golden-brown exterior while keeping the interior tender and fragrant.
Step 11: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are just golden. Watch closely; you want to avoid over-baking so the cookies stay soft with a slight crispness on the edges.
Step 12: Dust Top Cookies with Powdered Sugar
Once cooled, dust the cookies with the cut-out centers generously with powdered sugar. This adds a snowy, festive look and a subtle sweetness that complements the jam.
Step 13: Assemble the Cookies
Spread about one tablespoon of cherry jam onto each whole cookie, then sandwich a powdered sugar dusted cookie on top. The jam peeking through the cut-out is classic Linzer cookie charm in action.
How to Serve Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but a little extra touch never hurts. Consider a light dusting of additional powdered sugar just before serving or a few whole fresh cherries on the side to echo the jam filling. Edible flowers or a small sprig of mint can also add an elegant, colorful flair.
Side Dishes
Linzer cookies pair beautifully with a hot tea like Earl Grey or a fresh coffee blend. They also complement lightly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert spread. If serving at a party, a glass of sparkling wine or a warm mulled wine adds a festive, cozy complement to these charming treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies on a rustic wooden board or a delicate glass cake stand for beautiful presentation. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a delightful homemade gift. You can even use cookie tins with colorful liners for an irresistible holiday or special occasion touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This way, you can enjoy their tender texture and jammy goodness anytime.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these treats in advance, freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container. They maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months, ready to thaw at your convenience.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm bite, gently warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep that tender crumb intact and prevent the jam from becoming too hot and sticky.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with another nut flour?
Almond flour is key to the authentic texture and flavor of Linzer cookies, but finely ground hazelnut or pistachio flour can work as alternatives to bring their own unique twist. Just make sure they are finely ground to avoid a gritty texture.
What type of cherry jam is best for these cookies?
A high-quality, not overly sweet cherry jam with a bit of tartness complements the dough perfectly. Look for jams with bits of whole cherries or preserved fruit for added texture and flavor.
How thick should I roll out the cookie dough?
Rolling the dough to a quarter-inch thickness ensures the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape well, balancing tenderness with a pleasant bite that won’t fall apart when handled.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough and cut cookies prevents excess spreading during baking, allowing the cookies to hold their beautiful shapes and snap to form the perfect sandwich with jam.
Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! While cherry jam is traditional, raspberry, apricot, or black currant jams are delicious alternatives that offer a wonderful fruity contrast to the buttery dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe from scratch. From creaming the butter and sugar to carefully cutting out those charming centers and finally tasting the jewel-like cookies filled with luscious cherry jam, this recipe is a joy at each step. If you’re looking to bake a treat that feels special yet approachable, definitely give these cookies a try—they might just become your new favorite classic.
Print
Homemade Linzer Cookies with Cherry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies (36 individual cookies)
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Linzer Cookies are delicate, buttery sandwich cookies filled with sweet cherry jam and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. These traditional Austrian treats feature a tender almond-flavored dough, cut into charming shapes with a window cut-out to showcase the vibrant jam filling. Perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful everyday treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g, room temperature / 2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 large egg (50g, room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (4g)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300g, spooned and leveled)
- ½ cup almond flour (48g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (4g)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Toppings and Filling
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (28g)
- ½ cup cherry jam (170g)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending just until combined to maintain the dough’s tenderness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and kosher salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to incorporate all ingredients evenly without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This firms the dough for easier rolling and better cookie shape.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each chilled disc to approximately ¼-inch thickness, preparing it for cutting into shapes.
- Cut Cookies: Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out 36 cookie shapes from the rolled dough and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Create Windows: With a 1-inch cookie cutter of the same shape, cut out the center from half of the cookies to form windows for the jam filling to show through after baking.
- Chill Cut Cookies: Place the cut cookies on baking sheets in the freezer or refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven: While the cookies chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Generously dust the cookies with the cut-out centers with powdered sugar to create a pretty contrast and highlight the jam window.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about 1 tablespoon of cherry jam evenly onto the flat side of each whole cookie. Then, carefully place a powdered sugar-dusted cookie with a window on top to create the classic Linzer cookie sandwich.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and to prevent spreading during baking.
- You can substitute raspberry or strawberry jam if cherry jam is unavailable.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the almond flour before mixing into the dough.
- Store the assembled Linzer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well before assembly; thaw and assemble before serving.
