How do I keep linzer cookies soft for days?

Store them in an airtight container and avoid adding jam until the day you serve them. This keeps the cookies tender and prevents sogginess.

Can I freeze linzer cookies?

Yes! Freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and fill with jam just before serving.

Why do my linzer cookies spread too much?

Spreading often happens when the dough isn’t chilled long enough or contains too much butter. Always chill twice—once after rolling and once before baking.

Can I use other fillings besides jam?

Definitely. Nutella, lemon curd, or caramel sauce all make delicious alternatives while maintaining the cookie’s soft texture and rich flavor.

Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies – Best 2026 Recipe for Holiday

Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies

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Soft and sweet linzer cookies are buttery almond-flavored sandwich cookies filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar. These classic Austrian-inspired treats are tender, festive, and perfect for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

Author: Catherine
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Austrian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1–2 cups raspberry or strawberry jam
1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined.
Gradually add flour, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Divide dough in half, roll each portion between parchment sheets to 1/8-inch thickness, and chill for 20 minutes.
Use a round or fluted cutter for bases and a smaller heart or star cutter for the tops.
Place cutouts on prepared baking sheets and chill for another 10 minutes.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are firm but not browned. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Dust the top halves with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of jam on each base cookie and gently sandwich with a dusted top cookie.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

Chilling the dough twice helps cookies keep their shape and stay soft.
Do not overbake; the cookies should remain pale in color.
Use high-quality butter and jam for the best flavor.
Freeze unfilled cookies for up to two months; fill with jam after thawing.
For a nut-free version, omit almond extract and replace with vanilla or citrus zest.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 160
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/soft-and-sweet-linzer-cookies-recipe/