Sweet Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe: Festive Homemade Joy

Sweet and delicate, these cherry almond linzer cookies blend European elegance with homemade comfort.

Delicate sandwich cookies featuring almond linzer technique create a stunning dessert that sparkles with festive charm.

Buttery shortbread circles feature a delightful ruby-red cherry jam center that peeks through beautiful cutout patterns.

Powdered sugar dusts these elegant treats with a soft, romantic touch.

Nutty almond undertones complement the bright fruit filling, making each bite a delicate balance of flavors.

Classic yet contemporary, these cookies elevate any gathering with their sophisticated appeal.

Linzer Variations and Sweet Changes

• Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour with ground almonds for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg yolk with flax egg, and use plant-based jam for a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Raspberry Chocolate Linzer Cookies: Swap cherry jam with raspberry preserves and add a thin layer of dark chocolate between cookies for a rich, decadent variation.
• Lemon Lavender Linzer Cookies: Replace almond extract with lavender extract, use lemon curd instead of cherry jam, and add a hint of lemon zest to the dough for a floral, citrusy version.

Plating Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

• Sweet Tea Party Centerpiece: Arrange cookies on a vintage tiered cake stand with fresh cherries scattered around for an elegant display.
• Gifting Delight: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, adding a small tag with a personalized message for special occasions.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside almond-flavored hot tea or a chilled glass of rosé wine to complement the cookie's delicate flavors.
• Brunch Elegance: Create a beautiful dessert platter by mixing these linzer cookies with other small pastries and fresh seasonal berries for a sophisticated presentation.

Storage Tips for Linzer Cookies

• Store assembled Linzer cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap unassembled cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before filling and serving.
• Keep completely assembled cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Gently warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Allow to cool completely before serving to maintain their delicate structure.

FAQs

• What is the key flavor profile of these Linzer cookies?

The cookies combine rich almond and sweet cherry flavors, with almond flour and extract providing a nutty undertone and cherry jam adding fruity sweetness.

• Do I need special equipment to make these cookies?

You only need basic baking tools like round cookie cutters in two sizes, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet – nothing complicated or expensive.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for 1-2 days before rolling and baking, which makes these perfect for planned gatherings.

• Are these cookies difficult to assemble?

These Linzer cookies are beginner-friendly. Simply spread jam on whole cookies and top with cut-out cookies, then dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Cherry, Almond, and Linzer – A Cookie Classic

• Craft Elegant Desserts: Impress guests with sophisticated Linzer cookies that look professionally made, yet are surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
• Quick Family Baking: Create delightful treats perfect for bonding with kids, allowing them to help with cutting shapes and dusting powdered sugar.
• Versatile Holiday Treat: Ideal for festive gatherings, gift-giving, or adding a special touch to afternoon tea with their beautiful presentation and delicious cherry-almond flavor combination.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cherry jam for other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, making these cookies adaptable to personal taste preferences and seasonal ingredients.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookie Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure to the delicate Linzer cookies.
• Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and tender texture to the cookie dough.
• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the cookie, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a golden-brown color.

• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.
• Almond Extract: Intensifies the almond flavor throughout the cookies.

• Cherry Jam: Serves as a sweet and tangy filling between the cookie layers.
• Powdered Sugar: Offers a beautiful, elegant dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Instructions for Traditional Linzer Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk together all-purpose flour and almond flour in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth, aromatic base for your cookies.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Butter Mixture

In a separate bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Gently fold in egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, gently kneading until a soft, pliable dough emerges.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Sprinkle flour on your work surface and roll out the dough to a delicate ¼-inch thickness.

Use a round cutter to create cookie bases, then take a smaller cutter to create playful center holes in half of the cookies.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the cookie shapes on a lined baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until they turn a beautiful, light golden color.

Step 7: Assemble with Cherry Charm

Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a layer of luscious cherry jam on the whole cookies.

Crown them with the cut-out cookie tops.

Step 8: Final Elegant Touch

Dust the assembled Linzer cookies with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar, creating a stunning and irresistible treat.

Tricks for Perfectly Cut-Out Linzers

• Blend all-purpose and almond flour for a richer, nuttier cookie texture that elevates the traditional Linzer recipe.
• Use a ruler or rolling pin guide to ensure consistent ¼-inch thickness for evenly baked, professional-looking cookies.
• Choose high-quality cherry preserves with minimal seeds for a smoother, more refined filling that complements the almond flavor.
• Sift powdered sugar gently over cookies to create a delicate, even coating that looks elegant and prevents clumping.
• Let cookies cool completely before assembling to prevent jam from melting and maintain crisp cookie structure.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful cherry almond linzer cookies bring European elegance to classic holiday baking. Sweet almond-infused dough and glossy cherry jam create a perfect pairing that delights palates and warms hearts with each delicate, festive bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Dough):

• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 grams) almond flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cherry jam
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine all-purpose and almond flour in a mixing bowl, blending thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
3. Whip butter and sugar in a separate bowl until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the butter blend, kneading gently to form a cohesive dough.
5. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to shape the base cookies, then create matching top cookies with a smaller cutter to form center openings.
6. Transfer the delicate cookie shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a subtle golden hue around the edges, indicating perfect doneness.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature.
9. Spread a generous layer of cherry jam on the whole cookie bases, carefully positioning the cut-out cookies on top.
10. Finish by delicately dusting the assembled cookies with a light veil of powdered sugar, creating an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Swap almond flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicate texture.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticking and ensure cleaner cookie cut-outs.
• Use homemade or high-quality cherry preserves for richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain their delicate texture and prevent crumbling.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Austrian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 87 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg