I’m sharing a tender, buttery Linzer-style cookie featuring a vibrant berry jam center that melts in your mouth—each bite evokes warmth, nostalgia, and that irresistible combination of crumbly pastry and fruity sweetness.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
For me, these cookies carry the kind of comfort your grandmother’s kitchen smells like—warming, familiar, and filled with stories. I adore how the delicate cookie and tangy filling complement each other, and how they elevate any occasion—whether it’s a festive holiday spread or a quiet afternoon tea.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I use:
-
Unsalted butter, at room temperature
-
Caster sugar
-
Vanilla paste (or extract)
-
Egg
-
Baking powder
-
Salt
-
All-purpose flour
-
Berry jam of choice (like strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
directions
I preheat the oven to 350 °F. Then I cream butter and sugar until smooth (about 3 minutes), blend in vanilla paste and the egg. Separately, I whisk together baking powder, salt, and flour, and gradually add it to the wet mix. If the dough seems dry, I knead it on a floured surface until it comes together. I skip chilling—then roll it in batches, using a 2-inch round cutter and smaller cutters for the centers. Baked for 6–8 minutes, I let the cookies cool on the sheet before transferring to a rack. To assemble, I sandwich them with a teaspoon of berry jam and optionally decorate with melted candy for a fruity look.
Servings and timing
The post doesn’t specify exact serving size or timing. Based on typical Linzer recipes, I estimate this makes around 24 cookies. Prep takes about 15 minutes and bake time is approximately 8 minutes per batch. I’ll refine these details when the full recipe card is available.
Variations
I can experiment with different jam flavors—apricot, fig, or cherry would work beautifully. For a festive touch, I may decorate the tops with candy melts or dust them lightly with sugar. Using heart or star shaped cutouts can make them perfect for special occasions.
storage/reheating
I’ll store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days—they stay tender and flavorful. If I need to prep in advance, I can bake the cookie layers ahead and sandwich them just before serving.
FAQs
Can I chill the dough before rolling it out?
I skip chilling because this recipe is “no chill” and stays true to its soft texture. But if the dough feels too sticky, a short rest in the fridge could help—it’s up to me.
What kind of jam works best?
I find any berry jam that’s not too runny works well—strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry all provide that sweet-tart pop.
How do I make the centers decorative?
I use mini fondant cutters to make shapes like circles, hearts, or flowers. It’s a fun way to personalize them.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, I can store unassembled cookies in the freezer and sandwich them later for freshness—or freeze completely assembled cookies with parchment between layers.
How can I prevent the cookie from being too crumbly?
I make sure the dough comes together fully—kneading gently if needed. If it’s excessively dry, adding a little extra egg or a drop of milk can help bind it.
Conclusion
I find these Linzer Berry Cookies a delightful marriage of buttery crumb and fruity brightness. No chill needed, quick to assemble, yet bursting with joy and nostalgia. They bring a touch of sweetness to any moment—simple, elegant, and utterly irresistible.
Print
Irresistible Linzer Berry Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies
Description
Buttery almond shortbread cookies sandwiched with sweet-tart berry jam, these delicate Linzer cookies are a festive treat perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out one disk of dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
Cut out cookies using a round cutter, then cut out the centers of half of the cookies for the tops.
Transfer to prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cool completely on wire racks. Spread jam on the flat side of each bottom cookie, then top with a cutout cookie.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time:: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert