Shortbread Linzer Cookies: A Buttery, Festive Classic for Holiday Baking

Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Chef Josie

Few holiday desserts feel as magical and nostalgic as Shortbread Linzer Cookies. Buttery, delicate, and filled with a jewel-like center of sweet raspberry jam, these cookies bring old-world charm to any Christmas tray. Their snowy dusting of powdered sugar and iconic cut-out shapes make them instantly festive and irresistibly elegant.

My love for Linzer cookies goes back to the first time I made them with a friend during a winter cookie exchange. We followed a traditional Austrian-style shortbread base but swapped in a richer, melt-in-your-mouth dough to create a luxurious variation that has since become my go-to. The contrast between buttery shortbread and bright raspberry filling was unforgettable, and it’s still one of the holiday recipes I look forward to every year.

Whether you are preparing a Christmas dessert platter, wrapping homemade gifts, or looking for Christmas Cookies Easy enough for a weekend bake, these Shortbread Linzer Cookies will quickly become a treasured favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Shortbread Linzer Cookies

• Buttery, tender shortbread that melts in your mouth
• Classic raspberry filling for the perfect sweet-tart balance
• Ideal for holiday baking and festive cookie exchanges
• Customizable with different jams or cut-out shapes
• Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
• Naturally rich and flavorful without needing elaborate ingredients
• Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or seasonal baking traditions

Ingredients for Shortbread Linzer Cookies

Unsalted Butter: The key to rich, delicate shortbread. Make sure it is softened for a smooth dough.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough while preserving that classic shortbread texture.

Egg Yolk: Creates structure without making the dough tough.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

All-Purpose Flour: Builds the cookie’s sturdy yet tender structure.

Almond Flour (optional but traditional): Adds a subtle nutty aroma and softness reminiscent of classic Linzer cookies.

Salt: Enhances all the buttery flavors.

Raspberry Jam: The star filling. Use seedless for a silky finish, or traditional jam for texture. Substitute strawberry, blackberry, or apricot for Linzer Jam Cookies.

Powdered Sugar: For dusting the tops, giving the cookies their signature snowy appearance.

Cut-Out Shapes: Stars, hearts, snowflakes, or circles, all perfect for Christmas Shortbread.

How to Make Shortbread Linzer Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This creates the base of a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

2. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract. The yolk enriches the dough while keeping it delicate.

3. Whisk Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, almond flour (if using), and salt. Slowly add to the butter mixture until a dough forms. Avoid over-mixing.

4. Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading and ensures clean cut-outs.

5. Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles for bottoms and matching shapes with center cut-outs for tops.

6. Bake

Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

7. Assemble

Dust the top cookies with powdered sugar first. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on each bottom cookie, then gently sandwich with a top cookie.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow filled cookies to set so the jam adheres and the powdered sugar remains pristine.

Notes & Top Tips

• Chill the dough thoroughly for clean edges and no spread.
• For ultra-tender cookies, use a combination of all-purpose and almond flour.
• Always dust the top cookies before assembling to avoid sugar covering the jam.
• If the dough cracks while rolling, let it warm slightly for smoother handling.
• Use high-quality jam for a glossy, deeply flavorful filling.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Serve with tea, hot cocoa, or mulled wine during holiday gatherings.
• Fill with apricot, strawberry, orange marmalade, or cherry jam for new flavor combinations.
• Add lemon or almond extract for a bright flavor twist.
• Make mini versions as bite-sized holiday treats.
• Use snowflake cut-outs for picture-perfect Christmas Dessert Ideas.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps cookies fresh and firm, especially when using seed-in jam.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies separately, then fill after thawing for best texture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare dough up to 3 days in advance. Chill until ready to roll and bake.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

These Shortbread Linzer Cookies bring festive elegance to every holiday celebration. With their buttery crumb, shimmering sugar finish, and jam-filled centers, they’re a timeless addition to your Christmas baking ideas. If you make this recipe, share a comment or rating, and explore my other best Christmas cookies and seasonal treats to fill your holiday dessert table.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of jam?
Yes, raspberry is classic, but apricot, blackberry, strawberry, or even fig jam work beautifully.

2. Why is my dough crumbly?
Shortbread dough is naturally crumbly. Let it warm slightly or knead gently until it comes together.

3. Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your almond flour is certified gluten-free.

4. How do I keep the cookies from breaking?
Roll the dough evenly and avoid picking up cookies before they cool. They firm up as they rest.

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