Raspberry Linzer Cookies: Holiday Jam Cookie Recipe

When I think of the holiday season, one treat that instantly comes to mind is Raspberry Linzer Cookies. These delicate, almond-infused cookies sandwiched with tangy raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar have a way of transporting me back to cozy Christmas mornings spent with family.

Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and jammy sweetness make them an irresistible addition to any festive spread. In this post, I’ll guide you through creating these timeless cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the holiday season.

A Personal Holiday Tradition

Linzer cookies have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, my grandmother would make these cookies every December, filling the house with the warm aroma of cinnamon and almonds. I remember peeking into the kitchen, watching her roll out the dough with precision, and feeling the excitement build as she cut out the little shapes that would soon become the top of the cookie sandwich. As a child, my favorite part was dusting the powdered sugar on top—there was something so magical about watching it snow over the star-shaped centers.

Now, as an adult, I’ve continued this tradition, passing it along to my own family. Every year, we bake these Raspberry Linzer Cookies together, and it never fails to bring back those heartwarming memories. It’s the little moments—like sharing stories over cups of hot cocoa while waiting for the cookies to bake—that truly capture the spirit of the holidays.

What You’ll Need to Create Raspberry Linzer Cookies

To recreate this festive favorite, you’ll need some simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. But it’s the almond flour and the addition of raspberry jam that give these cookies their distinctive flavor and texture. The almond flour adds a nutty richness to the dough, while the jam provides a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the buttery base perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter and Sugar: The base of the dough starts with creaming softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates that smooth, velvety texture.
• Vanilla and Egg Yolk: Vanilla extract brings a warm sweetness to the dough, while the egg yolk binds everything together without making the cookies too dense.
• All-Purpose and Almond Flour: The combination of these flours is key. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the almond flour adds a soft, almost crumbly texture that’s characteristic of Linzer cookies.
• Cinnamon (optional): While not essential, a touch of cinnamon adds a cozy, holiday warmth to the dough. It pairs beautifully with the almond flour, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Raspberry Jam: The star filling of these cookies! Opt for a smooth, seedless variety to ensure a luxurious bite in every sandwich.
• Powdered Sugar: To finish, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds that classic festive touch, making them look like they’ve been kissed by winter snow.

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How to Make Raspberry Linzer Cookies

The process of making Linzer cookies is as fun as it is rewarding. Though they may look intricate, they’re actually quite simple to prepare with a little patience and attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of how it all comes together:

Preparing the Dough

The first step is to cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You can use either a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step, whichever you find more convenient. Once the butter and sugar are perfectly blended, you’ll incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and cohesive.

The dry ingredients—flour, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon—are whisked together separately before being gradually added to the wet mixture. Be sure to mix gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Once combined, the dough will be soft but not sticky, perfect for shaping.

Chilling and Rolling

To make handling easier, divide the dough into two portions, flatten them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chilling the dough is essential; it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and makes rolling out much easier. After an hour or so in the fridge, the dough is firm enough to roll.

When you’re ready to shape the cookies, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, then roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thick. A thinner dough ensures the cookies will be delicate and crisp. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to make the base cookies, and for the tops, cut smaller shapes out of the center of half of the rounds—this is where that jammy goodness will peek through.

Baking to Perfection

Baking the cookies is straightforward. A quick 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven (350°F or 175°C) is all it takes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just starting to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want these cookies to stay tender and buttery. Let them cool completely before assembling.

Assembling the Linzer Cookies

Once cooled, the fun part begins—assembling the cookies! Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam onto the bottom halves (the ones without the cut-outs). Then gently press the top cookies with the cut-out shapes onto the jam-filled bottoms to create a delicate sandwich. The final touch is a dusting of powdered sugar over the top cookies, which gives them that irresistible festive look.

Expert Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies

1. Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
2. Use a Seedless Jam: Seedless raspberry jam ensures a smooth filling that contrasts beautifully with the delicate texture of the cookie. If you only have jam with seeds, you can press it through a sieve to remove them.
3. Almond Flour Alternatives: If you don’t have almond flour, you can finely grind whole almonds in a food processor. Just be sure to pulse carefully so you don’t end up with almond butter!
4. Prevent Sticky Dough: If the dough starts to stick to your rolling pin or surface, lightly flour the dough or roll it between two sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking and tearing.
5. Powdered Sugar Precision: Dust the powdered sugar on the top cookies before assembling to keep the filling clean and ensure the powdered sugar looks evenly distributed.

Serving Suggestions

These Raspberry Linzer Cookies make a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon tea or a festive holiday dessert spread. I love serving them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine—the flavors of the cookies pair beautifully with warm, spiced drinks. If you’re planning to gift them, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin, layering parchment paper between each cookie to keep them from sticking together.

A Sweet Holiday Tradition

Raspberry Linzer Cookies are more than just a delicious holiday treat—they’re a symbol of family traditions, festive gatherings, and the joy of giving. Whether you’re making these cookies to share with loved ones, gift to friends, or enjoy yourself, they’re sure to become a holiday staple in your home.

Love this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it to your favorite Christmas cookie board for later! And if you try it out, be sure to share your results in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your own holiday baking traditions!