Skip to Content

Easy Made Linzer Cookies with Italian Strawberry Jam

Linzer cookies Italian strawberry jam

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

  1. In a bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until combined.
  3. Stir in all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
  4. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  7. Cut cookies using a round cutter, then cut a small shape out of the center of half the cookies.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
  9. Dust the cut-out cookies with powdered sugar.
  10. 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.
Linzer cookies Italian strawberry jam

🍓 Italian Linzer Cookies (Strawberry Jam)

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill 10 minutes
Servings: 11
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp lemon zest
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup Italian strawberry jam
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

Make the Dough:
  1. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon zest.
Add Dry Ingredients:
  1. Stir in flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Chill:
  1. Shape dough into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll & Cut:
  1. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut equal numbers of solid cookies and cookies with heart or round cutouts.
Bake:
  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
Assemble:
  1. Dust cutout cookies with powdered sugar. Spread strawberry jam on solid cookies and top with cutout cookies.

Notes

Authentic Touch: Italian jams tend to be less sweet—perfect for balance.
Clean Cutouts: Chill dough again if it softens while rolling.
Flavor Variations: Swap strawberry jam for apricot or raspberry.
Make Ahead: Unfilled cookies keep 3 days; assemble day of serving.
Gift Idea: Stack cookies and tie with ribbon for a romantic homemade gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different jam?

Yes, raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry jam work well.

Do I have to use almond flour?

Almond flour adds traditional flavor, but it can be replaced with more all-purpose flour.

How long do Linzer cookies keep?

Unfilled cookies keep up to 5 days; filled cookies keep 2–3 days.

Can these cookies be frozen?

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.

Recipe Rating