
Linzer cookies with Italian strawberry jam are a classic, elegant treat known for their delicate texture and beautiful presentation. Made with buttery dough and a sweet-tart jam filling, these sandwich cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a refined homemade dessert.
Inspired by traditional European baking, these cookies feature tender, lightly spiced dough paired with smooth strawberry jam. The result is a cookie that is both visually appealing and rich in flavor without being overly sweet.
The Inspiration Behind Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are inspired by the famous Linzer Torte from Austria, a dessert known for its nutty pastry and fruit preserves. Over time, the recipe evolved into smaller sandwich cookies, often filled with jam. Using Italian strawberry jam adds a vibrant fruit flavor and smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicate, buttery texture with a fruity center
- Elegant appearance perfect for gifting or celebrations
- Classic European-inspired flavors
- Can be made ahead of time
Linzer Cookies with Italian Strawberry Jam Recipe
Servings: 18–20 sandwich cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Calories: Approximately 160 per sandwich cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup Italian strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until combined.
- Stir in all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut cookies using a round cutter, then cut a small shape out of the center of half the cookies.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Dust the cut-out cookies with powdered sugar.
- Spread strawberry jam on the solid cookies and sandwich with the cut-out tops.
Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading.
- Use smooth, high-quality strawberry jam for the best texture.
- Assemble cookies shortly before serving to keep them crisp.
- Store assembled cookies in a single layer to preserve their shape.

Ingredients
Method
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Stir in flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Shape dough into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut equal numbers of solid cookies and cookies with heart or round cutouts.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Dust cutout cookies with powdered sugar. Spread strawberry jam on solid cookies and top with cutout cookies.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry jam work well.
Almond flour adds traditional flavor, but it can be replaced with more all-purpose flour.
Unfilled cookies keep up to 5 days; filled cookies keep 2–3 days.
Yes, unfilled cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Linzer Cookies with Italian Strawberry Jam are a timeless dessert that combines delicate texture, buttery flavor, and fruity sweetness. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or elegant gatherings, these cookies bring classic European charm to any table.