Pin it
Classic Homemade Linzer Cookies
My journey with these beautiful Linzer cookies started in my grandmother's kitchen and now they're a staple in my holiday baking. The buttery shortbread paired with sweet raspberry jam creates pure magic in every bite. Trust me these cookies might look fancy but they're surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen.
The Story Behind These Beautiful Cookies
These gorgeous treats trace back to Linz Austria where they started as a torte. The original dessert featured black currant preserves under a lovely lattice crust. I love how these cookies capture all that delicious tradition in a smaller sweeter package.
What Makes These Cookies So Special
- Shortbread taste: The cookies themselves are pure butter heaven. Each bite melts in your mouth with that perfect shortbread texture I spent years perfecting.
- Raspberry jam: While raspberry is traditional in my kitchen I sometimes swap in different jams depending on my mood. Homemade preserves work beautifully too.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature look and adds just the right touch of extra sweetness.
Pin it
Reasons These Will Become Your Go To Cookie
- Simple to Create
- The dough comes together so easily. Just fill with your favorite jam sandwich them together and finish with a sprinkle of sugar its truly that simple.
- Absolutely Beautiful
- Every time I bring these to a gathering people think I spent hours making them. Their elegant look always draws compliments and nobody needs to know how easy they are.
- Perfect for Sharing
- These cookies bring together the best of everything butter jam and sugar in one beautiful package. They always claim a special spot on my holiday cookie plates.
Kitchen Essentials
Let me walk you through everything you need to create these beautiful cookies in your kitchen. The full recipe with detailed steps is waiting for you below.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long do Linzer cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to a week. The jam filling helps keep the cookies moist and flavorful.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. The chilling time actually helps the cookies hold their shape better when baking.
- → What other jam flavors can I use?
While raspberry is traditional, you can use any flavor like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry. Just make sure to use thicker preserves rather than runny jams.
- → Why do my cookies need to be chilled?
Chilling the dough makes it firmer and easier to roll out. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them before adding the jam filling. When ready to serve, thaw them, add the filling, and dust with sugar.