Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Easy 5-Ingredient Linzer Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a wonderfully soft and sweet bite. With their classic jam-filled centers and delicate, crumbly texture, they are surprisingly simple to make. For another festive cookie idea, try the Irresistible Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies for Your Holiday Delight. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

These soft and sweet Linzer cookies are a delightful treat, with a tender, buttery crumb and a sweet-tart jam filling that makes them simply irresistible.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (left out at room temperature for 10 minutes)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1-2 cups raspberry or strawberry jam
• 1 cup powdered sugar for sprinkling on top

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	42 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to a simplified dough that requires no chilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.

Step 2 — Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 3 — Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Use a round cookie cutter to cut out your bases. For the top cookies, use the same cutter, then use a smaller cutter (like a heart or circle) to cut a window from the center of each. Re-roll scraps as needed.

Step 4 — Bake to Perfection

Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown.

The centers should remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5 — Prepare the Filling

While the cookies cool, prepare your filling. For a classic Linzer cookie, seedless raspberry jam is traditional. You can gently warm the jam in a small saucepan or microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to spread.

Step 6 — Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread about 1 teaspoon of jam onto the flat side of each solid cookie base. Place a windowed cookie top on top, gently pressing to sandwich them together.

The jam should peek through the cut-out window. If desired, you can dust the assembled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Step 7 — Let Them Set & Serve

Allow the assembled Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies to set for at least 30 minutes so the jam can firm up slightly. This makes them easier to handle and pack.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~180 kcal
Protein	~2g
Carbohydrates	~24g
Fat	~9g
Fiber	~1g
Sodium	~85mg

Note: These values are estimates for one Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookie, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing their tender, jam-filled charm.

• Almond Flour for All-Purpose Flour — For a gluten-free and nuttier version, replace half the all-purpose flour with finely ground almond flour. This adds protein and creates a wonderfully crumbly texture.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener for Granulated Sugar — To lower the carb content, use a 1:1 monk fruit or erythritol blend in the dough. It bakes similarly and keeps the cookies soft and sweet without the sugar spike.
• Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter for Butter — A direct swap with solid, refined coconut oil or a high-quality vegan butter stick makes these Linzer cookies completely dairy-free.
• Chia or Flax Egg for Egg — For an egg-free version, mix 1 tablespoon of ground chia or flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. It binds the dough perfectly.
• Seed Butter for Almond Flour (Nut-Free) — If avoiding nuts, use sunflower seed butter in place of any almond components and ensure your jam filling is nut-free for a safe alternative.
• Low-Sugar or Chia Seed Jam for Filling — Control the sweetness and sugar content by using a no-sugar-added fruit spread or making a quick chia seed jam with mashed berries.
• Whole Wheat Pastry Flour for All-Purpose Flour — For added fiber, substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. It maintains a soft texture while boosting nutritional value.
• Reduce or Omit Salt — For a low-sodium version, simply reduce the added salt in the dough by half or omit it entirely, as the butter and other flavors are quite prominent.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat, or a glass of cold milk for classic dunking.
• Create a festive cookie platter by mixing them with other holiday classics like gingerbread men and shortbread for a beautiful and delicious variety.
• Serve them as an elegant dessert at a tea party or bridal shower, arranged on a tiered stand for a charming presentation.
• For a special touch, dust the assembled cookies with a light snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving to make the jam filling and cut-out designs pop.
• Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift that showcases the beautiful layered look.
• Offer them alongside a cheese board; the sweet jam and buttery cookie complement sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy brie perfectly.

However you choose to serve them, these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies are sure to be the star of any occasion, from casual family baking to elegant holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overworking the dough, which activates gluten and makes cookies tough. Fix: Mix just until the dough comes together and chill it thoroughly before rolling.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin, causing fragile cookies that break when filled. Fix: Aim for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness for the perfect soft and sweet Linzer cookie.
• Mistake: Using warm dough, leading to cookies that spread and lose their shape. Fix: Always work with well-chilled dough and re-chill cut-outs before baking.
• Mistake: Choosing the wrong jam, like a runny preserve that leaks or soaks the cookie. Fix: Opt for a thick seedless raspberry jam or fruit spread for clean, beautiful layers.
• Mistake: Cutting the top and bottom cookies from the same dough thickness, resulting in a mismatched sandwich. Fix: Roll all dough to the same thickness and use a smaller cutter for the top window.
• Mistake: Baking on a dark sheet pan, which can cause over-browned bottoms before the centers are set. Fix: Use light-colored aluminum baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
• Mistake: Filling cookies while they are still warm, melting the jam and creating a soggy mess. Fix: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling your Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies.
• Mistake: Skipping the dusting of powdered sugar, which is key for the classic look and extra sweetness. Fix: Dust the top cookies with powdered sugar just before serving to prevent it from dissolving into the jam.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store assembled Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps the jam filling stay fresh and prevents the cookies from becoming soggy.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unassembled, baked cookie layers. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling. You can also freeze the dough, wrapped tightly, for 1-2 months.
• Reheat: To restore that just-baked softness, warm the cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. Always ensure reheated food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety if they have been stored with a dairy-based filling.

Keeping your Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies properly stored ensures they stay deliciously tender and safe to enjoy.

Conclusion

I hope you love baking these Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies as much as I do. For another festive twist, try my Classic Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies Recipe. Please leave a star rating or comment below, and subscribe for more delicious recipes from Baking with Blondie!

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FAQs

How do I keep my Linzer cookies soft?

To ensure your Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies stay tender, avoid over-mixing the dough and do not over-bake them. They are done when the edges are just set. Storing them in an airtight container after they cool completely will lock in their soft texture.

Can I use a different jam for the filling?

Yes, raspberry or apricot jam are classic choices, but you can use any seedless jam or preserves you prefer. The key is to use a thick, high-quality jam that won’t soak into the soft cookie and make it soggy.

Why did my cookie dough become too soft to roll?

This dough for Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies is rich in butter and can soften quickly. If it becomes too warm, simply chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until it firms up again. Rolling between parchment paper also makes handling easier.