Linzer Raspberry Cookies are scrumptious treats that bring together buttery dough and sweet raspberry filling. Topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, they look as good as they taste!
These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea. I love how the fruity center peek-a-boos through the cutouts—it’s like a little surprise in every bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for a rich flavor. You can use salted butter but reduce the salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Almond Extract: It adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re nut-free, feel free to skip it, or substitute with an extra splash of vanilla extract.
Ground Almonds: These boost flavor and texture. If you don’t have them, use more all-purpose flour, though the almond flavor will be missed. You can also swap with finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
Raspberry Jam: Seedless is preferred for smooth spreading. Any other berry jam works too, like strawberry or blueberry if that’s what you have on hand!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Dough Consistency?
The key to great Linzer cookies is achieving the right dough texture. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Start with softened butter to ensure it creams well with the sugar.
- Combine wet and dry components gently; overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Chill the dough sufficiently. It makes rolling easier and improves the cookie’s texture when baked.
After rolling the dough, it should be soft but not sticky, allowing you to cut out shapes easily. Adjust flour if necessary for a better consistency.
Linzer Raspberry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (85g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for authentic nutty flavor)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (50g) finely ground almonds or almond flour
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (preferably seedless)
- Fresh raspberries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to chill the dough, which will take about 1 hour. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy your delicious Linzer Raspberry Cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is key to getting a nice texture in your cookies! Add in the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until everything is well blended.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground almonds (or almond flour). These will give your cookies that wonderful flavor and texture!
3. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the buttery mixture, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. Remember, we want to avoid overmixing, so stop as soon as it’s combined!
4. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut.
5. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking!
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Take one disc of dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. This will ensure your cookies are nicely shaped.
7. Cut Out Cookies:
Use a fluted round cookie cutter to cut out circles for the cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to create a cutout in the center. This is where the raspberry jam will peek through!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the full circles and cutout circles on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on wire racks while you prepare for the next steps.
9. Assemble the Cookies:
Once cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam on each full cookie. Be generous, it adds to the deliciousness!
10. Top and Dust:
Carefully place a cutout cookie on top of the jam-covered cookie, pressing gently to create a sweet sandwich. Finally, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a lovely finish!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh raspberries for a pretty touch. Now, it’s time to enjoy your sweet, buttery Linzer Raspberry Cookies! Share them with friends or savor them all for yourself. You deserve it!
Can I Use a Different Jam for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic, feel free to substitute with any fruit jam you enjoy, like strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry. Just make sure it’s spreadable for easy assembly!
What Should I Do If the Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels sticky and hard to handle, try adding a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency. Chilling the dough longer can also help firm it up.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your Linzer Raspberry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you wish to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make the Dough In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after mixing and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it soften slightly before rolling out.
