There’s something delightfully nostalgic about a cookie dusted in powdered sugar and filled with a vibrant jam center. This Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe hits that perfect balance of buttery almond goodness and sweet fruitiness, making it a standout treat worth your time in the kitchen.

A group of small round cookies arranged on a white marbled surface dusted with powdered sugar. Each cookie has two layers: a bottom solid beige cookie and a top cookie with a cut-out shape showing orange jam inside. The top cookies are covered with powdered sugar, creating a snowy white look. The jam is smooth and glossy, visible through varying shapes like circles, flowers, triangles, and diamonds, all with scalloped cookie edges. The cookies are close together but not touching, showing their clean edges and soft textures photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to delights when I want a treat that looks elegant but doesn’t require stress. Honestly, Linzer cookies always feel fancy, yet this version is foolproof and simple enough for even a novice baker.

Effortless elegance: These cookies look stunning with their jam-filled centers and powdered sugar dusting, but the recipe is surprisingly straightforward.
Perfect almond flavor: The mix of all-purpose and almond flour creates a tender shortbread with a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with fruity fillings.
Flexible filling options: Whether you prefer raspberry jam, apricot curd, or even a chocolate spread, these cookies adapt wonderfully.
Make ahead friendly: The dough chills well, and leftovers keep beautifully, so you can prep early for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of these Easy Almond Linzer Cookies starts with high-quality ingredients that work in harmony. The almond flour adds a delicate nuttiness and tender crumb, while the butter and powdered sugar provide richness and sweetness. Here are some quick tips to get you started on the right foot.

Flat lay of a large chunk of unsalted butter at room temperature, a small white ceramic bowl filled with sifted powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with vanilla bean paste, a simple mound of all-purpose flour, a small heap of almond flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing kosher salt, a few small glossy jars of red jam and bright yellow curd placed carefully beside each other, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter helps to whip it up light and fluffy, giving your cookie dough a tender texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sift it first for a smooth dough—no gritty spots!
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Vanilla adds warmth; I prefer vanilla bean paste because it gives specks of flavor that feel so special.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that gives these cookies their structure.
Almond Flour: Key to that authentic Linzer cookie taste and crumb—don’t skip it!
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
Powdered Sugar for Dusting: The classic finishing touch that instantly makes every cookie look festive.
Jam or Curd: I love raspberry or apricot jam, but lemon curd is fantastic if you want a tangy twist.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes or occasion. I frequently switch up the filling or add in a bit of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh twist.

Jam Variations: I've tossed in raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and even mixed berry jams. Each one brings a unique burst of flavor.
Nut Substitution: While almond flour is classic, sometimes I play around with hazelnut meal for a richer, earthier note.
Flavor Boosts: A sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough can add a lovely warmth, especially during the holidays.
Dietary Mods: For gluten-free, make sure your all-purpose flour is GF-friendly; the almond flour keeps texture in check.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

A top-down view of a silver mixing bowl filled with creamy light brown dough or batter, with visible soft swirls and folds creating a textured pattern all around the inside edges and center. The dough shows tiny darker specs throughout, suggesting added spices or flavor bits. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with subtle gray veins that add gentle contrast. The metal bowl has a shiny finish with some reflections along its rim and inner sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip the Butter, Sugar & Vanilla

I start by whipping the room temperature butter with powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste until it’s airy and pale. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed really helps get that light texture you want. Don’t rush this step — it sets the tone for a tender cookie.

Step 2: Mix in Your Flours and Salt

Next, I fold in the all-purpose and almond flours along with kosher salt. Mix just until combined — you don’t want to overwork the dough, or the cookies will become tough. The almond flour adds such a dreamy crumb that’s hard to beat.

Step 3: Roll and Chill the Dough

I roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about a quarter inch thick (6mm). This way it’s easy to transfer and keeps the dough from sticking. Then it’s off to the fridge for at least two hours, which is key to firming up the dough for clean cookie cuts later on. Sometimes I chill it for up to three days if I’m prepping ahead.

Step 4: Cut Your Cookies & Freeze Briefly

After chilling, I pop the dough still sandwiched in parchment into the freezer for 10 minutes. This extra chill gives beautiful cookie edges and makes cutting easier. Using a 2-inch fluted round cutter, I cut out full circles first, then from half the circles, I carefully cut smaller shapes in the center for that iconic Linzer peek-a-boo look.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 11-12 minutes, keeping an eye so the edges become just lightly golden. Timing might shift slightly depending on dough thickness, but don’t worry — the smell alone will tell you when they’re ready! Let the cookies cool completely on the sheet before assembling.

Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpieces

Dust the cookie tops (the ones with cut-outs) generously with powdered sugar. Spread jam or curd on the solid cookie halves and sandwich carefully, pressing gently so jam peeks from the windows but doesn’t squish out wildly. Trust me, it’s as satisfying to assemble as it is to eat.

Top Tip

From my experiments with this Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe, a few key tips can make all the difference in your baking experience and results.

Chill is your friend: The dough must be cold to cut precise shapes and bake evenly without spreading too much.
Use parchment paper for rolling: It makes clean-up so simple and prevents sticking — a real life saver!
Don’t skimp on the almond flour: It’s the heart of the flavors and texture; replacing it lessens that signature Linzer crumb.
Dust after baking, not before: Powdered sugar melts on raw dough; dusting finished cookies keeps the look fresh and pretty.

How to Serve Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Almond Linzer Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with just powdered sugar dusting on top — it’s simple and elegant. But sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of finely chopped toasted almonds around the edges for an extra crunch and visual appeal. Fresh berries on the side make a lovely touch for serving guests.

Side Dishes

I pair these cookies with a comforting cup of tea or a cappuccino. For more festive occasions, a glass of sparkling wine or mulled cider works beautifully. If you want something light alongside, fresh fruit or a small cheese board complements the nutty sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting or parties, I’ve wrapped bundles of these in parchment tied with rustic twine and embellished with a sprig of rosemary or dried orange peel. Layering different flavors of jam inside the same batch of cookies adds a colorful surprise on a dessert platter that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I’m making them in advance, I store the baked cookies and jam separately, assembling just before serving so they stay fresh and crisp.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. I freeze the cut dough on parchment-lined trays before baking or the baked cookies themselves. I find freezing them on trays for 10 minutes to firm up makes cutting smoother, then transfer to freezer bags. Baked cookies thaw at room temp in about an hour.

Reheating

To refresh day-old or thawed Linzer cookies, I pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes — it crisps the edges slightly without drying them out. Just be sure to cool completely before dusting powdered sugar again for presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute almond flour with other nut flours?

While almond flour is traditional in Linzer cookies and provides the characteristic flavor and texture, you can experiment with other nut flours like hazelnut or walnut meal. Keep in mind that different nut flours vary in oil content and texture, so the dough may behave slightly differently.

How long can I keep Linzer cookies fresh?

Assembled Linzer cookies keep best for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. To extend shelf life, store unassembled baked cookies and jam separately, then sandwich them together just before serving.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough benefits from chilling for at least two hours and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days before rolling and cutting. This flexibility makes it perfect for prepping in advance.

What types of jam work best for Linzer cookies?

Traditional Linzer cookies are filled with raspberry jam, but apricot, strawberry, or mixed berry jams work beautifully too. Lemon curd or even a smooth chocolate spread offer delicious alternatives, depending on your flavor preference.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe has become a sweet little tradition in my kitchen—one that I love sharing with friends and family. The ease, the delightful almond flavor, and the chance to play with fillings make it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how these cookies bring a bit of buttery, fruity joy to your day!