Name: Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Austrian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups almond flour; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup raspberry jam; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 106 reviews

If you’re looking for a truly delightful treat that combines nutty, buttery goodness with a burst of fruity sweetness, you’re in the right place. This Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe is one of those classics that I keep coming back to because it’s just so darn good and surprisingly easy to make. These cookies are perfect for holidays, teatime, or any moment you want to impress without sweating it too much in the kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to get that perfect crumbly, tender cookie with the tart raspberry jam peeking through!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: The almond flour’s subtle nuttiness pairs beautifully with the warm spices and tart raspberry jam.
Texture that melts in your mouth: These cookies are tender, crumbly, yet sturdy enough to hold their shape and jam without fuss.
Impressive but doable: They look fancy with the jam windows, but once you get rolling, you’ll see how straightforward this recipe actually is.
Great for gifting or any occasion: I love making a batch to give away because they always get raves and disappear fast.

Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in making your Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies just right — from the blend of flours giving the cookies their signature texture, to the fragrant spices that add warmth and depth. Grab good quality almond flour and fresh raspberry jam because they really make a difference.

Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe - Ingredients

Almond flour: Gives the cookies that classic nutty flavor and tender crumb—don’t swap this out for regular flour!
All-purpose flour: Adds structure so the cookies hold up nicely without being tough.
Ground cinnamon and cloves: A tiny pinch amps up the warmth and coziness—perfect for any season.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Large egg: Binds the dough together for that perfect texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Aroma magic—be sure to use real vanilla, not imitation.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control salt content and add richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the jam.
Raspberry jam: The star of the show—go for a good quality, slightly tart jam.
Powdered sugar: For that final pretty dusting that makes these cookies look bakery-fresh.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe is incredibly versatile. I often tweak the jam flavor or spices based on the season or my mood. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll discover your favorite combo that way!

Jam swaps: I’ve tried apricot and strawberry jams, which both work wonderfully and give a slightly different fruity punch.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, and these cookies still turn out great.
Spice mix: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom substitutes or complements the cloves and cinnamon beautifully.
Chocolate twist: For fun, you can add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the dough or spread a thin layer of melted chocolate inside alongside the jam.

How to Make Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

Start by whisking together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix is where the magic begins with those cozy spices perfectly distributed. Separately, whip the egg and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Doing this helps keep the egg evenly mixed for when you add it to the butter mixture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

This step is so satisfying! Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until it becomes light and fluffy—usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This aerates the butter and keeps the cookies tender but structured. Then, blend in your egg and vanilla mixture until fully combined. Remember: scrape down the sides of your bowl once or twice so everything gets evenly mixed.

Step 3: Combine and Chill the Dough

Now, add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix or the cookies can get tough. Split the dough into two disks and sandwich each between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out to about an 1/8-inch thickness. Here’s a trick I learned: chilling the rolled dough for 2 hours in the fridge (or 30 minutes in the freezer if you’re pressed for time) really helps keep the shape when baking.

Step 4: Cut Out Cookies and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Peel off the top parchment layer from your dough. Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out your cookies; for half of them, use a smaller round cutter to create that signature Linzer window. Arrange cookies about 1 inch apart on your baking sheet. Bake 7 to 9 minutes until they’re just starting to turn golden—you want tender cookies, not crispy ones. Let them cool completely before assembling.

Step 5: Assemble with Jam and a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

Warm your raspberry jam slightly by stirring in a teaspoon of water and microwaving for 30 seconds on low—this makes spreading easier. Spoon about half a teaspoon of jam onto each whole cookie, then gently press a windowed cookie on top to sandwich it. The jam peeking through is so pretty. Finally, dust the tops with powdered sugar for that classic bakery look. That’s it—delicious and elegant!

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Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe

Keep the dough cool: Warm dough is tricky to cut and can lose shape in the oven—chilling is key for neat cookies.
Don’t overbake: They’re done when edges just start to get golden—overbaking dries them out.
Use parchment paper to roll: It stops sticking and means no extra flour, which can toughen cookies.
Window cutter size matters: I found that a smaller inner circle (about 1 inch) looks best and lets just the right amount of jam peek through.

How to Serve Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe

Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always go for a simple dusting of powdered sugar—it’s classic and adds just the right touch of sweetness and elegance. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a tiny sprig of fresh mint or a few fresh raspberries on the serving plate give a pretty, fresh vibe that guests love.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a cup of hot tea, especially Earl Grey or a fruity herbal blend. I’ve also served them alongside whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream at dessert time, which our family goes crazy for.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, arrange the cookies in a layered glass jar tied with ribbon for a sweet gift. I once made a cookie platter with assorted jam fillings and mixed them with some dipped in dark chocolate—both looked gorgeous and were devoured instantly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and delicious, especially when layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked cookies and the raw dough. For cookies, freeze them un-iced in a single layer on a sheet tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you want them, thaw at room temperature and add jam fresh before serving. It’s my go-to when I want holiday cookies ready in advance.

Reheating

To refresh cooled Linzer cookies, warm them slightly in a low oven (around 300°F for 5 minutes). This brings back a bit of softness without melting the jam or sugar dusting—just perfect for serving.

FAQs

Can I make Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread or coconut oil that’s solid at room temperature. Just keep in mind this might slightly change the texture, so chilling the dough before baking becomes even more important.
What’s the best way to prevent the dough from sticking when rolling out?

Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper is a game-changer. It stops sticking completely and means you don’t have to add extra flour, which can make cookies tougher.
Can I use different types of jam?

Absolutely! While raspberry is traditional and my favorite, apricot, strawberry, or even black currant jam all work beautifully and add their own unique flavor twists.
How do I store assembled Linzer cookies to keep them fresh?

Once assembled, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid stacking to keep the jam from squishing cookies together. They’re best eaten within a few days.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies Recipe truly feels like a hug wrapped in a cookie—nutty, sweet, and just a little bit special. I love making them for friends and family because they’re the kind of treat that’s not just about flavor, but about sharing moments and smiles. If you try them, I bet they’ll become one of your favorites too. So, pull out your rolling pin and jam jar, and get baking—you’re going to love how these cookies turn out!