These Raspberry Linzer Christmas Cookies are a timeless holiday classic with their delicate almond flavor, buttery texture, and festive look. With a simple, easy-to-follow recipe, you can make these beautiful cookies a part of your holiday traditions.
Looking for a charming holiday cookie that’s both beautiful and delicious? These Raspberry Linzer Cookies are the perfect choice! Filled with sweet raspberry jam and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these Linzer Christmas cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Best of all, they’re easy to make and taste like they’re fresh from a bakery.
Ingredients
For this Raspberry Linzer Christmas Cookies recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your preferred jam)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
How to Make Raspberry Linzer Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough stay firm, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches) to cut out circles. Use a smaller cutter to make a “window” in the center of half of the cookies, creating the classic Linzer cookie look.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Assemble the Linzer Cookies
- Spread raspberry jam onto the solid cookies.
- Place a cookie with a “window” on top, gently pressing to create a sandwich.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a snowy, festive touch.
Tips for the Best Raspberry Linzer Christmas Cookies
- Chill the dough thoroughly; this helps maintain the shape of your cookies when baking.
- Almond flour adds a classic flavor to Linzer cookies, but finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts can be substituted if preferred.
- For a vibrant raspberry filling, use high-quality raspberry jam with no added sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container. They taste even better after a day, as the jam softens the cookie slightly.
These Raspberry Linzer Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines a light, nutty flavor with the tart sweetness of raspberry jam. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as homemade gifts, they’re sure to add joy to your holiday season. Try this easy Linzer cookie recipe and make a beautiful addition to your Christmas cookie tray!