There’s something magical about baking that feels both nostalgic and comforting. For me, Linzer cookies always carry that extra touch of coziness—they’re delicate, buttery, and filled with sweet jam that makes them irresistible.

I first fell in love with them during a holiday gathering where a friend had baked a giant tin of assorted cookies. Among all the options, the heart-shaped cookies dusted with powdered sugar instantly caught my attention.

One bite and I was hooked—the balance of tender, buttery dough and tangy fruit jam was perfection.

Since then, Linzer cookies have become one of my go-to recipes, especially when I want to make something that feels a little more special than your everyday cookie.

They’re elegant enough for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, yet simple enough to bake on a random weekend when I just crave a sweet treat with my afternoon coffee.

In today’s post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making classic Linzer cookies at home—from ingredients and tips, to step-by-step instructions, storage ideas, and even variations. By the end, you’ll not only have a reliable recipe but also plenty of inspiration to make them your own.

Why I Love This Linzer Cookies Recipe

There are countless cookie recipes out there, but Linzer cookies are truly in a league of their own. Here’s why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen:

They age beautifully. Unlike many cookies that taste best fresh out of the oven, Linzers actually get better the next day as the jam softens the cookie layers.

They’re timeless. Linzer cookies have Austrian origins, and they’ve been around for centuries. There’s something so satisfying about baking a recipe that has been loved for generations.

They’re versatile. You can fill them with any jam you like—raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or even something more adventurous like fig or passionfruit.

They look impressive without much effort. A little powdered sugar on top and a cut-out shape in the middle make them instantly photo-worthy.

When to Bake Linzer Cookies

I find Linzer cookies fit beautifully into so many occasions:

Holiday trays. They’re a classic Christmas cookie, and no festive cookie plate feels complete without them.

Romantic desserts. With a heart cut-out, they make the sweetest treat for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.

Afternoon tea or coffee. A single cookie alongside a hot drink feels indulgent yet perfectly portioned.

Homemade gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or a clear bag tied with a ribbon, and you have the loveliest edible present.

Basically, anytime you want a cookie that feels a little more special than chocolate chip or sugar cookies, Linzers are the answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses just a handful of simple pantry staples. Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—together, they create the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup + 2 tbsp (200 g) unsalted butter, cold
¾ cup (100 g) powdered sugar
1 tbsp (10 g) vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
1 large egg yolk
1 jar fruit jam (raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or your favorite)
Optional: a few drops of lemon juice (to help bind the dough if needed)
Extra powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the flour, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar in a large mixing bowl. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the egg yolk and knead gently until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, a few drops of lemon juice will help it come together.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it overnight, which makes this recipe perfect for preparing ahead of time. Chilling is essential—it firms up the butter and makes the dough much easier to roll out.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛–¼ inch (3–5 mm) thickness. Keep it even so your cookies bake uniformly.

Step 4: Cut Out the Cookies

Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. For each cookie, you’ll need a pair: one solid base and one with a cut-out in the center. Traditionally, the tops have a small round or heart-shaped window, but feel free to get creative.

Transfer the cookies carefully onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them—these delicate cookies can overbake quickly.

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Once cool, spread a generous layer of jam on the bottom side of a solid cookie. Gently press a cut-out cookie on top to create a sandwich. Repeat with all cookies.

For the final touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar.

Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies

Work with cold butter. It helps keep the dough tender and prevents it from becoming greasy.
Don’t skip chilling. Warm dough is sticky and difficult to handle—chilling is your best friend here.
Use a sharp cookie cutter. This ensures clean edges and neat shapes.
Pair evenly sized cookies. Make sure you match up similar sizes when sandwiching them together.
Let them rest overnight. If you can resist, store them in a tin overnight—the jam softens the cookies slightly and enhances the flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Room temperature. Store Linzer cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator. They’ll last about 2 weeks when kept chilled.
Freezer. Freeze the unassembled cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw, then fill with jam before serving.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best parts of Linzer cookies is how versatile they are. Here are some fun twists:

Different jams. Try blackberry, cherry, fig, or even lemon curd.
Nutty dough. Replace part of the flour with finely ground almonds or hazelnuts for a richer flavor.
Chocolate lovers. Swap the jam for Nutella or melted chocolate.
Holiday spice. Add a touch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a festive touch.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes these cookies so special is the balance between texture and flavor:

The dough is buttery and crumbly without being dry.
The jam filling adds just the right amount of sweetness and moisture.
The powdered sugar on top gives a professional bakery finish.

It’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy but is surprisingly straightforward once you get the hang of it.

Final Thoughts

Linzer cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re little bites of joy that bring people together. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday tray, a romantic gift, or simply to enjoy with your afternoon tea, they never fail to impress.

So grab your favorite jam, dust off your cookie cutters, and treat yourself to a batch of these classic cookies. They’re a recipe worth keeping in your baking rotation year after year.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Linzer Cookies, you might also want to try:

And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, where I always share my latest recipes and appetizer ideas: Daily Appetizer on Pinterest

Linzer Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup + 2 tbsp (200 g) unsalted butter, cold
¾ cup (100 g) powdered sugar
1 tbsp (10 g) vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
1 large egg yolk
1 jar fruit jam (raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or your favorite)
Optional: a few drops of lemon juice (to help bind the dough if needed)
Extra powdered sugar, for dusting