Few cookies embody the warmth and charm of homemade baking quite like Linzer Cookies. Originally from Austria, these delicate sandwich cookies are named after the famous Linzertorte, one of the oldest known desserts. The torte features a nutty crust filled with jam, and Linzer Cookies take this concept into a smaller, handheld form. They are made with buttery, tender dough, often enhanced by a hint of vanilla and filled with sweet-tart apricot jam. Their signature look comes from the cut-out top layer, which reveals the glossy jam in the center, creating a charming windowpane effect.
Linzer Cookies are more than just visually appealing—they’re a sensory delight. The cookies’ crumbly, buttery texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth, slightly tangy jam, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and tart. They are often dusted with powdered sugar, adding an extra touch of elegance. These cookies are especially popular during the holiday season, but their timeless appeal makes them a favorite year-round. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, a gift, or a simple afternoon treat, these cookies bring a sense of joy and nostalgia that is hard to match.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 200 g (7 oz) butter, softened
- 100 g (3.5 oz, 1/2 cup) powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 250 g (9 oz, 2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 10 g (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- Apricot jam (or any jam of choice) for filling
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies (depending on size)
Steps to Make It
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla
- Add the egg and vanilla sugar to the butter-sugar mixture and continue beating until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
4. Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
5. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll and Cut the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out cookies.
- Use a smaller cutter to create a window in half of the cookies. These will be the top cookies of the sandwich.
7. Bake the Cookies
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Assemble the Cookies
- Spread a thin layer of apricot jam on the flat side of each full cookie. Place a cookie with a cut-out window on top, gently pressing to create a sandwich.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy finish.
Why This Recipe is Timeless
Linzer Cookies are timeless because they bring together the simple, comforting flavors of butter, sugar, and jam in a way that feels both nostalgic and special. Their elegant appearance, with the cut-out window revealing the jewel-like jam, makes them perfect for holidays, celebrations, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Yet, they are humble enough to be enjoyed with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon.
These cookies evoke memories of family baking traditions, especially during the winter months, when the warmth of the oven and the smell of buttery dough fill the kitchen. Their adaptability—using different shapes or jam flavors—ensures they can be personalized for any occasion, making them a favorite across generations.
Nutritional Facts (per cookie, based on 20 cookies)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 35mg
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of jam for the filling?
Yes! While apricot jam is traditional, raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon curd make delicious alternatives.
2. What if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
You can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Alternatively, make your own vanilla sugar by storing a vanilla bean in a jar of sugar for a few weeks.
3. How can I ensure the cookies keep their shape while baking?
Chilling the dough before rolling and after cutting the cookies helps them maintain their shape during baking.
Tips for Making the Perfect Linzer Cookies
- Use Cold Dough:
- Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll Evenly:
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate. Use rolling pin guides if available.
- Don’t Overfill with Jam:
- Use just enough jam to fill the cookie without it oozing out the sides when pressed.
- Customize the Shapes:
- Get creative with cookie cutters to match the season or occasion. Hearts, stars, and traditional circles all work beautifully.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature:
- Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration:
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to 10 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing:
- You can freeze the unassembled cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before assembling with jam.
Conclusion
Classic Linzer Cookies with Apricot Jam are a delightful treat that bring warmth and joy to any occasion. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet, tangy jam filling, these cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful. Their rich history and elegant presentation make them a perfect addition to holiday baking traditions or any time you want to make someone feel special.
Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or simply to enjoy with your afternoon tea, Linzer Cookies offer a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. Take the time to savor the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of cookies that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Happy baking!