Linzer Christmas Cookies bring a touch of old-world elegance to the holiday cookie tray with a buttery, slightly nutty cookie sandwiched around a bright layer of raspberry jam. A star or other small shape cut into the top cookie lets the jam peek through, and a dusting of powdered sugar finishes the look before serving. The dough comes together with a mixer and chills briefly, then gets rolled, cut, and baked in two simple batches before sandwiching. Set a plate of these out at a holiday party or pack them into a gift tin, and they’ll look like they came from a European bakery.

Why These Linzer Christmas Cookies Belong on Your Christmas Dessert Table

Linzer cookies bring a classic, refined look to a holiday spread that’s often full of bright colors and playful shapes, offering a more elegant option alongside everything else. The jam peeking through the cutout top adds a beautiful pop of color without any complicated decorating.

They’re also a wonderful make-ahead option, since both the dough and the finished cookies hold up well over several days, letting you spread the work out during a busy baking season.

Best of all, the classic almond flavor and buttery texture make these a standout on any cookie tray, appealing especially to guests looking for something a little more sophisticated than a typical decorated sugar cookie.

Everything You’ll Need

The ingredient list is refreshingly short, and there’s plenty of room to customize it with what you already have on hand.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup raspberry jam
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Ingredient Swaps & Easy Substitutions

Finely ground almonds give the classic nutty flavor and texture, but almond flour works just as well if that’s what’s available. Raspberry jam is the traditional filling, but apricot or strawberry jam both work beautifully if raspberry isn’t on hand. If almond extract isn’t available, simply increase the vanilla extract slightly for a milder but still pleasant flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Want

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Rolling pin
Round cookie cutter
Small star or shape cutter, for the cutout tops
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Wire cooling rack

Let’s Make Them

Once everything is prepped, these cookies come together in just a few easy stages.

Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: Beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Chill: Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll and cut: Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out an equal number of round cookies. Cut a small star or shape out of the center of half of them.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden.
Cool completely: Let the cookies cool fully on a wire rack.
Assemble: Dust the cutout tops with powdered sugar, spread jam on the solid bottoms, and sandwich the pairs together.

Host’s Tips for the Best Linzer Christmas Cookies

Chill the dough long enough that it’s firm and easy to handle, since a dough that’s too soft can distort the delicate cutout shapes as you transfer them to the baking sheet. Dust the cutout tops with powdered sugar before assembling rather than after, since sugaring after sandwiching can make the jam look messy around the edges. Use a slightly thicker layer of jam in the center of the bottom cookie, tapering off toward the edges, so it doesn’t squeeze out the sides when pressed together. Let the cookies cool completely before assembling, since warm cookies can make the jam run.

Easy Ways to Make Them Your Own

Add a light dusting of cinnamon to the dough for a subtle spiced version that pairs nicely with the almond flavor. Swap the raspberry jam for a mix of two jam flavors, alternating between cookies for a colorful assortment on the same tray. For a simpler version without ground almonds, a plain butter cookie dough works well too, though the classic Linzer flavor comes from that nutty base.

Perfect Occasions & What to Serve Alongside

These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, formal dessert tables, and gift tins for anyone who appreciates a classic, elegant treat. They also pair beautifully with more playful, colorful cookies on a mixed holiday platter. Serve them alongside tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, or add them to a dessert board next to sugar cookies and wreath cookies.

Make-Ahead & Serving Notes

The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept covered in the fridge, or frozen for up to 2 months before rolling and baking. Baked, unassembled cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Once assembled with jam, the cookies are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days, since the jam can soften the cookie texture over time.

Still have a question? Here are a few of the most common ones readers ask before making these Linzer Christmas Cookies.

Why did my cookies spread and lose their shape?

This usually means the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or the butter was too warm when mixed in. Chill the dough for a full hour, or longer if your kitchen runs warm, before rolling and cutting.

Can I use a different filling besides jam?

Yes, a thick chocolate ganache or lemon curd both work well as an alternative to jam. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to hold its shape between the cookies.

Why is the jam leaking out the sides?

This usually means too much jam was used, or it was spread all the way to the edges. Keep the jam mostly in the center, tapering off before it reaches the edge of the cookie.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw refrigerated dough at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too firm to roll.

How far ahead can I assemble these for a party?

It’s best to assemble them within 2 to 3 days of serving, since the jam can gradually soften the cookie texture. Bake and store the plain cookies further ahead, then assemble closer to your event.

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