Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that balances buttery richness with tangy sweetness, you’ve got to try this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe. These charming sandwich cookies filled with bright raspberry jam have been a favorite in my kitchen for years, and I promise once you make them, they’ll become a staple in yours too! They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or just sneaking a few with your afternoon tea. Trust me, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share every tip to help you nail it perfectly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe plays an important role in achieving that tender crumb and perfect sandwich cookie texture. From the butter that gives richness to the sifted flour that keeps the dough light, here’s what you should grab to get started:

• Butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth creaming and the best dough consistency.
• Icing sugar: Sifted icing sugar blends easily and adds sweetness without grit.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors in the cookies without overpowering sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that deepens cookie flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Sifted to keep the dough light and prevent any lumps.
• Italian raspberry jam: The star of the show for fruity flavor and a little tangy contrast.
• Extra flour: For rolling out the dough so it doesn’t stick.
• Extra icing sugar: For dusting the cutout tops to add that classic Linzer look.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to experiment with flavors or accommodate dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to get creative. Here are some ways I’ve mixed things up:

• Jam Flavors: I once swapped raspberry for apricot jam, and it was a fresh twist that brought a sunny sweetness to the cookies, perfect for springtime gifting.
• Cookie Cutout Shapes: Using holiday-themed cookie cutters like stars or candy canes adds a festive touch—your guests will think you spent hours decorating!
• Flour Alternatives: You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if you need to go gluten-free, but be sure to test for dough texture since it might need slight adjustments.
• Adding Spices: Tossing in a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract can deepen the flavor and make the cookies extra cozy for chilly days.

How to Make Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F, and here’s a little secret: take the butter out far enough in advance so it’s soft but not melty—that’s key! Using your stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, sifted icing sugar, salt, and vanilla extract together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. It can take a good 3 minutes, so don’t rush this. I discovered this trick when I initially had dense, crumbly dough—it really makes a difference!

Step 2: Add Flour and Form the Dough

Now, while the mixer is still running on low speed, add the sifted all-purpose flour bit by bit until everything just comes together. You’ll see a soft dough forming. Remove the dough from the mixer and knead it gently with your hands for about a minute until it’s one smooth ball. Wrapping it in plastic wrap and chilling for at least 30 minutes helps the dough firm up, which makes rolling it out way easier and prevents sticking. Believe me, skipping this messes with your dough big time!

Step 3: Roll Out Dough and Cut Cookies

Flour your work surface and rolling pin to keep things from sticking. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick—thin enough for delicate cookies but thick enough to hold jam without tearing. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out your cookie bases. For half of these, use a smaller 1½ inch cutter (I like a Christmas tree shape for the holidays!) to cut a design right in the center. Taking time to work quickly here is important because the dough can soften fast due to the butter. If it gets sticky, dust more flour—but not too much or you’ll dry the dough out.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Place your whole and cutout cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. To get an even bake, I always put trays on the top and bottom oven racks, then rotate and switch pans halfway through the 15-20 minutes bake time. You want golden edges but still soft centers. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before moving on—that jam will stick otherwise, and you want the cookies to hold their shape.

Step 5: Assemble Your Linzer Cookies

Spread a generous spoonful of raspberry jam on the bottom of each whole cookie, then dust the cutout cookies with icing sugar before sandwiching them jam-side down over the filling. This final sanding of powdered sugar gives them that beautiful classic Linzer look! I love seeing the vibrant jam peek through—it makes the presentation irresistible.

How to Serve Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I personally keep it simple with a light dusting of icing sugar on the cutout tops—that soft snowy look is so classic and gorgeous. Sometimes for special occasions, I’ll sprinkle a few finely chopped pistachios on top of the jam before sandwiching for an extra pop of color and crunch. It’s such a pretty touch and tastes incredible!

Side Dishes

These Raspberry Linzer Cookies go beautifully with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or fresh brewed coffee. For holiday spreads, I like serving them alongside spiced mulled wine or cider, which complements the fruity flavors perfectly. And if you want to get decadent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is surprisingly delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I tried stacking them in neat towers tied with festive ribbons—and it was a huge hit! It makes the cookies look like edible gifts that guests can admire before diving in. You can also plate them on pretty tiered trays alongside fresh berries, making them even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain the cookie’s tender texture and keeps the jam fresh. Stacking them with parchment paper between layers prevents any sticking or smudging of the powdered sugar dusting.

Freezing

If I want to prep these cookies in advance (holiday baking alert!), I freeze the fully baked cookies after assembly. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for about a month. When you want to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight to preserve that fabulous texture.

Reheating

Raspberry Linzer Cookies are best served at room temperature, but if you want to freshen them up, pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 3-4 minutes. Just be careful not to melt the powdered sugar dusting or jam. I usually skip reheating and let the cookies shine as they are!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe has a special place in my heart—not just because of the way they taste, but how easy they are to make and how impressive they look. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because you want a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies deliver every single time. I hope you fall in love with this recipe like I did, and that it becomes your go-to when you want a classic, buttery, and fruity cookie that everyone raves about. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the fun of baking these beauties—you’ll be so glad you did!

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