Easy Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, this Easy Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart—and your taste buds. These soft, tender cookies sandwiched with sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar are my go-to for sharing during holidays, gatherings, or whenever I need a pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making these Linzer cookies again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like a dream for the perfect Easy Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe. The butter and sugar create that soft, buttery dough, while the almond and vanilla add layers of warm flavor that pair beautifully with raspberry jam.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened but not melted—that’s the magic to soft cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the tender crumb.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.
• Large Eggs: They bring moisture and richness; room temperature eggs work best.
• Vanilla Extract: The classic flavor enhancer that ties everything together.
• Almond Extract: A tiny splash gives that signature Linzer cookie flavor you’ll adore.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough; scoop properly to avoid dense cookies.
• Raspberry or Strawberry Jam: This is the star filling—choose a high-quality jam for the best taste.
• Powdered Sugar: For that delicate, snowy dusting on top that’s just eye-catching and delicious.

Variations

I love that this Easy Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe is so forgiving and easy to personalize. Once you nail the basic dough, feel free to tweak flavors or fillings to make it your own—it’s one of my favorite ways to keep the recipe exciting!

• Jam Choices: I sometimes swap raspberry for strawberry, apricot, or even peach jam depending on the season or what’s on hand—and it always turns out fantastic.
• Nut Alternatives: While almond extract is classic, using a bit of hazelnut or vanilla extract can give the cookies a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve experimented using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with good success; just chill the dough a little longer before cutting to make it easier to handle.
• Decorative Shapes: Instead of hearts, try stars or circles for different occasions—kids love helping with unique cookie cutters!

How to Make Easy Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by placing your slightly softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt into the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Cream these together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. You’ll notice the texture becomes airy, which is crucial to the soft crumb you’ll get in the finished cookies.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Next, add in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix everything together just until combined—don’t overmix, or the dough can become tough. The almond extract is subtle but key to getting that authentic Linzer cookie flavor that everyone raves about.

Step 3: Slowly Mix in the Flour

Turn your mixer down to low speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour. The dough will start to form quickly, so keep an eye not to overwork it—once you see the flour mostly incorporated, it’s time to stop. Overmixing is a common mistake that can lead to tougher cookies, and I’ve learned it’s best to err on the side of undermixing.

Step 4: Roll and Chill the Dough

Dump the dough onto a large sheet of parchment paper. Cover it with another sheet and use your rolling pin to gently flatten the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. The parchment makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Then, transfer the dough — still sandwiched between the parchment sheets — onto a cookie sheet and pop it into the fridge for 20 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to cut and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Step 5: Cut Out Your Cookies and Freeze Briefly

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use your Linzer cookie cutters to cut half the cookies with a heart-shaped cutout and the other half plain. If you don’t have a special cutter, I sometimes use the bottom of a small glass for classic rounds and then cut out hearts in the centers of half the cookies. Place these on the baking sheet, then pop it into the freezer for 3 to 5 minutes. This quick chill helps the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly, which makes a huge difference.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes—but keep a close watch to make sure the edges don’t brown. These cookies should stay pale and soft; any browning means they’re a bit overdone. Once out of the oven, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is important before assembling so the jam doesn’t melt into the dough.

Step 7: Assemble with Jam and Powdered Sugar

After the cookies cool, sprinkle the tops of the heart-cutout cookies with powdered sugar—the snow-white dusting really makes them look irresistible. Then, spread raspberry jam generously on the plain cookies and gently sandwich them together with the powdered sugar cookies on top. It’s a simple finishing touch that elevates these treats from everyday to utterly delightful.

How to Serve Easy Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top of the heart-cutout cookies because it adds that perfect sweet touch without competing with the jam filling. Sometimes, for a festive occasion, I’ll add a light swirl of melted white chocolate on top, but honestly, the powdered sugar is all you really need.

Side Dishes

These Linzer cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, a glass of milk, or even coffee. For holiday treats, I like to set them alongside a cheese board or fresh fruit — the sweet jam and buttery cookie complement salty and tart flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I love stacking these cookies in clear boxes tied with a ribbon—anything that shows off the cutout hearts dusted with powdered sugar looks so inviting. Another fun idea is to use different shaped cutters and offer an assortment on a tiered cookie stand. If you want to elevate the cookie sandwich, gently heat the jam before spreading so it stays soft and glossy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Linzer cookies in an airtight container in the fridge since the jam filling benefits from cooler temps. Stored this way, they stay fresh and soft for up to one week—though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the unbaked cut cookie dough layered between parchment paper for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw slightly and bake as usual. I’ve also frozen assembled cookies wrapped well in plastic wrap and sealed in freezer bags—just thaw in the fridge overnight for a tasty treat later.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover or thawed Linzer cookies, I like to bring them to room temperature and pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes if I want to refresh that soft texture and warm the jam slightly—but honestly, they’re wonderful straight from the fridge too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe turns out every time—soft, tender, and bursting with fruity goodness. When I first baked them, I was surprised at how straightforward the process was, yet the cookies look and taste like something from a fancy bakery. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a special gift, I can’t recommend these enough. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

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