These Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam are a classic holiday treat, featuring buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies sandwiched with sweet and tangy raspberry jam! The delicate shortbread dough is lightly dusted with powdered sugar, giving these cookies a beautifully festive look. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or afternoon tea, these cookies are as delicious as they are elegant.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling & Garnish:

• ½ cup raspberry jam
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Roll & Cut Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to create a “window” in the center.
4. Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the raspberry jam with lemon juice for extra brightness.
6. Assemble the Cookies: Spread 1 teaspoon of jam onto the bottom cookies. Top with the cut-out cookies, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
7. Dust & Serve: Sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar for a classic Linzer cookie finish.

Nutrients (Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 20mg

The Appeal of Shortbread Linzer Cookies

Shortbread Linzer cookies are cherished for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness from the raspberry jam. Their delicate appearance, often with intricate cut-out designs and a dusting of powdered sugar, makes them a favorite for holidays, special occasions, and afternoon tea.

Unlike some cookies that are overly sweet, these treats offer a sophisticated flavor profile, where the richness of butter complements the light, fruity filling. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for a refined yet comforting taste that has made them a beloved classic across generations.

The Art of Making Perfect Shortbread Linzer Cookies

One of the defining features of Linzer cookies is their delicate texture. Achieving the perfect consistency requires careful handling of the shortbread dough, ensuring that it remains tender while maintaining the right structure for sandwiching with jam. A few key techniques contribute to the success of these cookies:

• Chilling the dough: Shortbread dough is soft and rich in butter, which means it can be difficult to handle if not properly chilled. Refrigerating the dough before rolling it out prevents excessive spreading in the oven and helps maintain sharp edges.
• Rolling with precision: Rolling the dough to a consistent ¼-inch thickness ensures even baking. Too thin, and the cookies become too crisp; too thick, and they may be too heavy once assembled.
• Creating the classic cut-out window: The characteristic “window” on the top cookie is both decorative and functional, allowing the vibrant raspberry jam to peek through. Using a smaller cookie cutter for the top piece creates the signature Linzer look.
• Baking to a light golden hue: Unlike other cookies that may require deep browning, shortbread Linzer cookies should only be lightly golden around the edges to retain their tender, crumbly texture.
• Choosing the right jam: Raspberry jam is the traditional choice for Linzer cookies because of its bright, tangy contrast to the buttery shortbread. However, homemade jam or high-quality store-bought preserves with minimal added sugar enhance the overall flavor experience.

Variations and Customizations

While raspberry jam is the classic filling, Linzer cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to customize the recipe to suit different tastes and occasions:

• Jam Varieties: Swap raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, black currant, or even citrus marmalade to create different flavor profiles.
• Chocolate Filling: For a richer twist, replace the jam with a layer of chocolate ganache or Nutella for a decadent version.
• Nut-Based Dough: Add finely ground almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans to the dough for a more traditional Austrian taste and extra depth of flavor.
• Spiced Dough: Enhance the shortbread dough with a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla bean seeds for a warm, aromatic variation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
• Seasonal Shapes: Instead of the classic round Linzer cookies, use festive cookie cutters like stars, hearts, or Christmas trees to match different holidays.

Serving and Storing Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are best enjoyed fresh, as their delicate texture and jam filling make them highly perishable. However, they can be stored properly to maintain their quality:

• Storage: Store fully assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, though the jam may cause slight softening over time.
• Freezing: If making ahead, store the unfilled cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Assemble with jam just before serving to maintain the best texture.
• Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. For a festive dessert platter, arrange them alongside shortbread biscuits, chocolate truffles, or spiced gingerbread cookies.

Conclusion

Shortbread Linzer cookies with raspberry jam remain a timeless treat, bridging old-world traditions with modern baking techniques. Their combination of buttery richness, fruity sweetness, and elegant presentation makes them a must-have for holiday gatherings, tea-time indulgences, and heartfelt homemade gifts.

Despite their delicate appearance, they are surprisingly simple to make, offering a rewarding baking experience for both novice and seasoned bakers. Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic Christmas cookie or a sophisticated year-round treat, these cookies embody the warmth and joy of homemade baking.

Incorporating Linzer cookies into your repertoire means embracing centuries of baking tradition while adding a personal touch with creative variations. As you bake and share these delightful cookies, you continue the legacy of a treat that has delighted generations, proving that some recipes truly stand the test of time.