There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about Linzer Cookies — those delicate, buttery sandwich cookies filled with luscious apricot jam and dusted with a snowfall of powdered sugar. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and have just the right balance of sweetness and fruitiness. Originating from Austria, these cookies are traditionally enjoyed during Christmas, but honestly, they’re so good you’ll want them all year round. The nutty dough, made with ground almonds or hazelnuts, perfectly complements the tangy apricot filling, creating a cookie that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re baking for holidays, gifts, or just because, these Linzer Cookies bring a touch of European charm to your kitchen.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (100g) finely ground almonds or hazelnuts

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup (120g) apricot jam

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Cooking Directions

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy. This gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. Add egg yolk and vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds (or hazelnuts), cinnamon, and salt.

4. Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. If it’s sticky, chill for 10–15 minutes.

5. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll.

6. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.

8. Cut out cookies: Use a round or fluted cookie cutter for the bases and a smaller cutter (like a heart or star) for the centers of the top cookies. You’ll need an even number of bases and tops.

9. Bake: Arrange cookies on prepared trays and bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

10. Fill with jam: Spread a small amount of apricot jam on the flat side of each base cookie. Place the top cookie over it, pressing gently to sandwich them together.

11. Dust with sugar: Once assembled, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar for that iconic Linzer look.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~150 per cookie (depending on size)

• Fat: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Protein: 2g

• Sugar: 8g

• Fiber: 1g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Linzer Cookies are everything a great cookie should be — buttery, nutty, fruity, and visually stunning. The apricot jam adds a beautiful tart-sweet contrast to the rich, almond-infused dough. They hold their shape perfectly and have that delightful crispness that melts into tenderness as you bite in. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also look impressive enough for any occasion. Plus, they’re a joy to bake — from rolling and cutting to sandwiching and dusting with sugar, every step feels festive and rewarding.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Linzer Cookies come from Austria, inspired by the famous Linzer Torte, one of the oldest known cakes in the world. The torte featured a lattice crust and a jam filling, usually made with red currant or apricot jam. Over time, bakers adapted the concept into these delicate sandwich cookies, creating bite-sized versions of the classic dessert. Their popularity spread across Europe and eventually worldwide, becoming a beloved holiday treat. Today, Linzer Cookies are a symbol of old-world baking — simple ingredients, timeless flavor, and elegant presentation.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Butter: The foundation of that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Always use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.

• Ground Almonds or Hazelnuts: Add richness and a gentle nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with fruity jam.

• Apricot Jam: The traditional and most authentic choice — its tart sweetness balances the buttery cookies beautifully.

• Cinnamon: A touch of warmth that enhances both the nutty dough and the fruity filling.

• Powdered Sugar: For that final dusting of elegance — it makes the cookies look like they came straight from a Viennese bakery.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store your Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies actually taste better after a day because the jam softens them slightly. If you want to make them in advance, you can bake and cool the cookies (without filling), then store them separately. Fill them with jam the day you plan to serve.

• Freezing option: Unfilled cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and assemble when ready.

• Do not refrigerate once filled, as moisture may cause the cookies to lose their crispness.

Common Variations to Try

• Raspberry Jam Linzers: Swap apricot for raspberry jam for a bolder, tangier taste.

• Chocolate Linzers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and fill with chocolate ganache instead of jam.

• Nut-Free Version: Replace ground almonds with more flour if you prefer a simple buttery flavor.

• Spiced Linzers: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a fragrant twist.

• Citrus Linzers: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough to brighten the flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these cookies with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. They’re also perfect on a holiday dessert tray alongside shortbread, biscotti, or truffles. For a classy presentation, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of warm apricot jam. And if you’re gifting them, package them in a tin lined with parchment paper — they’ll look as good as they taste.

Health Benefits

Though Linzer Cookies are a treat, they do offer some subtle nutritional perks. The almonds add healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. Using real fruit jam provides natural sweetness and a small amount of antioxidants from the apricots. And because these cookies are so rich, a little goes a long way — one or two is enough to satisfy your sweet craving without overindulgence. When made with quality ingredients, they’re a fine example of how desserts can be both indulgent and wholesome in moderation.

Conclusion

The Best Linzer Cookies with Apricot Jam are more than just a recipe — they’re a piece of culinary tradition that celebrates simplicity, beauty, and flavor. Each cookie is a perfect balance of buttery nut dough, bright jam, and snowy sugar dusting — a little masterpiece in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or simply a cozy weekend, they bring joy to both the baker and the lucky ones who get to taste them. So roll out that dough, cut those hearts or stars, and make a batch — because these cookies don’t just taste like love, they look like it too.