Sweet Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a charming and utterly delicious cookie to brighten up your baking game, you’ve got to try this Sweet Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out soft, tender, and perfectly sweet with that vibrant raspberry jam center—plus, the classic powdered sugar dusting makes them look like they’re straight from a fancy bakery. Trust me, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a tea party, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies will quickly become your go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To get these Sweet Raspberry Linzer Cookies just right, it’s all about simple, quality ingredients working together—no complicated substitutes needed. Here’s what makes each component so important.

• Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter helps you cream it smoothly with sugar, resulting in a soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness that complements but doesn’t overpower the raspberry jam filling.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
• Large Eggs: Eggs bind the dough and lend richness, making the cookies tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth.
• Almond Extract: A subtle addition that makes these cookies extra special, adding that signature Linzer nutty aroma without needing ground nuts.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure you want for soft but sturdy cookies that hold their sandwich shape.
• Raspberry or Strawberry Jam: The star of the show—choose your favorite berry jam for a luscious, fruity center.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting the tops—adds a lovely sweetness and that classic Linzer cookie look.

Variations

I love that this Sweet Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe lets you get creative. Over time, I’ve enjoyed tweaking it based on the season or what I have on hand, and I encourage you to do the same so the cookies end up exactly how you like them.

• Nut-Free Version: I used to worry about texture without ground nuts, but the almond extract handles that beautifully, keeping the integrity of the classic Linzer cookie taste.
• Different Jam Flavors: Blueberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jams work wonderfully if you want to mix things up.
• Flour Alternatives: For gluten-free enthusiasts, experimenting with gluten-free all-purpose blends can work—just keep the dough chilled well to maintain shape.
• Holiday Shapes: Instead of hearts, I’ve tried stars and snowflakes during winter holidays, making them festive and fun for celebrations.

How to Make Sweet Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar Just Right

Start by letting your unsalted butter soften for about 10 minutes at room temperature—that’s a small step that makes a huge difference. Using your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and salt together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The fluffiness here is what gives your cookies that soft, tender crumb everyone raves about. If you try to rush this stage and the butter is too cold, your cookies could turn out dense, so patience is key.

Step 2: Incorporating the Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla and almond extracts—the almond extract is a little secret I discovered for that unmistakable Linzer cookie flavor without needing to use nuts in the dough. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined, and your batter will start smelling heavenly right about now!

Step 3: Folding in the Flour Without Overmixing

Slow down your mixer to the lowest speed and gradually add in the all-purpose flour. This is a stage I used to struggle with because overmixing can make the cookies tough. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, stop mixing—some small bits of flour are okay since the dough will still come together. The goal is that tender, soft crumb, so mix just enough to bring the dough together.

Step 4: Rolling and Chilling the Dough

Here’s a trick that changed my life: dump your dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, then place another parchment sheet on top before rolling it out. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness—thin enough for delicate cookies that bake evenly but not so thin they break. Then put the whole parchment-sandwich on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm the dough for cleaner cookie cut-outs and prevents spreading in the oven.

Step 5: Cutting Shapes and Freezing Before Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, use your favorite Linzer cookie cutters—traditionally, half have a heart or circle cutout in the center and the other half are solid. If you don’t have a Linzer cutter, I found using the bottom of a small glass works perfectly for the whole cookies, and then a mini cutter for the center cut-outs. Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For best results, pop the cookie sheet in the freezer for 3-5 minutes before baking—this keeps the shapes firm and prevents spreading.

Step 6: Baking and Cooling Your Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, but watch closely! The edges shouldn’t brown; you want that delicate color that means soft, not crisp. I learned the hard way that even a couple minutes too long makes a big difference in texture. When done, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling. Cooling fully is crucial because warm cookies can cause the jam to slide and the powdered sugar to dissolve.

Step 7: Assembling the Sandwiched Sweetness

Dust the cookies with cutouts generously with powdered sugar—this is the signature look, and it adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. Then, on the plain cookies, spread your raspberry or strawberry jam. Sandwich the cookies carefully, placing the powdered sugar-topped cookies on top so the jam peeks through the cutout like a beautiful jewel. This part feels so rewarding every time because these cookies turn out stunning and taste like love on a plate.

How to Serve Sweet Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to stick with the classic powdered sugar dusting on top—it’s simple but elevates these cookies instantly. For a little extra sparkle, try a fine dust of edible glitter or a drizzle of melted white chocolate around the edges. It makes these cookies festive and gift-worthy, especially during holidays.

Side Dishes

Pair your Sweet Raspberry Linzer Cookies with a nice hot cup of chai tea or fresh brewed coffee for the perfect afternoon indulgence. If you’re serving them at brunch, a bowl of fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad complements their sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies in a circle on a pretty cake stand with some fresh mint leaves and edible flowers sprinkled around. You can even tie small bundles of two or three cookies with a satin ribbon for charming cookie gifts. It’s such a sweet way to share this recipe with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After assembling your cookies, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I’ve found that keeping them chilled preserves the soft texture and keeps the jam fresh without making the cookies soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cut-out cookies by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freezing until firm, and then transferring to a zip-top bag. When you want to bake, pop them straight from the freezer into the oven (adding a minute or two to baking time). This way, you can have fresh Linzer cookies ready whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them slightly warm, I recommend bringing refrigerated cookies to room temperature and then warming them gently in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Be cautious not to overheat or the jam might get too runny and the cookie texture could change.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly love this Sweet Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe because it brings together the best of both worlds: a simple, approachable dough with nostalgic Linzer cookie charm. I remember the first time I baked these—my family went crazy over them and I was hooked. They’re soft, sweet, full of jammy goodness, and just festive enough to make any occasion feel special. I can’t wait for you to try them and make your own happy memories baking these delightful treats!

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