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Linzer Raspberry Cookies are easier than you think! These heart jam cookies are little jewels of delight! A not-too-sweet, easy shortbread cookie and heart-shaped make them perfect for Valentine’s Day!
While living in Germany, I learned and adapted this recipe for Linzer Heart Cookies to work with American ingredients. I enjoy making them forValentine’sDay, Christmas (the traditional time to serve), and almost any cookie swap!
Why You Will Love Linzer Raspberry Cookies
- Easy Recipe –They may look hard but are simple cut-out cookies with some quality jam!
- Flavor –I adore anyshortbread cookies, but this one is next level with a pop of sweet and fruity jam and one of my favorite flavors –almond!
- Customizable –Make these in any shape with any jam flavor. That is the beauty of homemade peekaboo cookies!
- Authentic – An American adaptation from my time spent in Germany!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Simple Ingredients for Heart Jam Cookies
- Butter| Use the best butter you can afford, preferably European butter – salted orunsalted butteris fine.
- Sugar| Granulated sugar here; I like all-natural cane sugar, but you can use white sugar too!
- Cinnamon| Just a touch, it adds a lovely spice.
- Egg Yolk|Room temperatureis best. If you forget to take them out while prepping your ingredients, submerge the egg in warm (not hot) water for 5-7 minutes.
- Almond extract| Use a good one, or replace it withvanilla extractor vanilla bean paste
- Flour| unbleached all-purpose flour(increase to 1 ½ cups for high altitude)
- Almond flour| Use finely groundalmond flour; this is my favorite.Almond mealis a bit coarser and might change the texture of your cookie.
- Kosher salt| It enhances all of the flavors!
- Raspberry Preserves |Use quality raspberry preserves orstrawberry jam, if seeds bother you, purchase seedless jam.
- Powdered Sugar | Also called confectioners sugar or icing sugar, to sprinkle on top of the linzer hearts.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Linzer Raspberry Cookies
Get started by prepping two large baking sheets withparchment paper.
Step 1 | Prep and mixdry ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, thealmond flour, and the salt.
Step 2 | Beat thewet ingredients
To thebowl of a stand mixer, cream butter, sugar (½ cup), and cinnamon on high until light and fluffy. Then add the egg yolk andalmond extractand beat for another minute.
Step 3 | Combinethe two bowls
Slowly add theflour mixture, about ⅓ cup to the butter mixture and mix on low until it is well combined. The dough should begin to stick together.
Now, divide the dough ball in half and pat each into a disc. Wrap each piece inplastic wrapand set it in the fridge to chill for an hour.
Step 4 | Cut & Assemble the cookies
Remove one of thecookie doughdiscs from the fridge at a time. Roll the dough to about ⅛ inch thick on alightly floured surface. I love thisrolling pinwith thickness rings for precise and even rolling.
Cut out the heart shapes using the larger heart-shaped cookie cutters. Gather rolled-out dough scraps, re-roll, and repeat the process until the first dough portion is used.
You should have 15-16 cookies from the first batch of dough. These are the bottoms of your Linzer Cookie.
Fresh Tips
- Forbest results, keep the dough chilled during the process. Chilling allows the cookies to hold their shape when cutting the shapes and baking.
Step 5 | Bake the bottom halves
Place the bottoms of the heart cookies on the baking sheet at least 1 inch apart and pop thecookie sheetfull in the fridge again to chill for 10-15 minutes.
Now, you can preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C). Once preheated bake cookies for 10-15 minutes until just turning golden on the edges. Remove to a cooling rack and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes then transfer to wire rck.
Step 6 | Cool the bottoms & cut the tops
Roll theremaining doughout just like the first half of the dough. Cut out your heart shape using the same cookie cutter as your bottom portion. Transfer these cookies to a cooledprepared baking sheet.
Once placed on the sheet, use the smaller heart cookie cutter to cut out a heart in the center of the cookie. This will be the peekaboo center of the top of the Linzer heart cookie.
Place the cookies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
Bake thetop cookiesfor 10-15 minutes (all ovens heat a little different, start checking at 10 minutes). Then, cool them on the pan for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to awire rackto cool completely. That way, the center heart stays intact.
Step 7 | Assemble the cookies
Dust the top of the cookies withpowdered sugaronce all the cookies are completely cool – only the cutout/window cookies, not the bottoms.
Now, for the fun part, place a ½teaspoon of jamin the center of the cookies (bottom halves). Top the jam hearts with the powdered heart cutout cookies, squeezing them together slightly.
Fresh Tips
- Bake the leftover cutouts for a little treat! If desired, you can also dust them withpowdered sugar.
- Be careful when placing the tops on, and use even, gentle pressure to press them into the jam. You do not want it all squishing out!
High Altitude Adjustments forRaspberry Linzer Cookies
- Increase flour to 1 ½ cups.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to bring the dough into a smoothcookie dough(should be the consistency of playdough).
- Chill, roll, cut out, and chill again as directed.
- Bake at 350° F (175° C) for 8-12 minutes until the cookies are firm and start turning golden brown. Follow the rest of the recipe.
What will you make forValentine’s Day? Try my Red Velvet Cake Pops, these Raspberry Chocolate Cupcakes, myEasy 5-Ingredient Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies, or thisWhite Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake – Oh Yum!
Variations
Get creative and customize the recipe to your heart’s or your sweetheart’s desires!
- Zest:Add a teaspoon or two oflemon zestororange zestwhen making thesandwich cookies.
- Nut Variations: Experiment with nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for a unique flavor, make sure to grind into a fine flour.
- Spice it Up:Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or other spices to the dough for a spiced twist.
- Shape Variations:If you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, you can use other shapes like circles, stars, or flowers. Try ornament shapes at Christmas!
- Jam Choices:So many yummy jams, so little time. Choose your favorite!
- Holiday cheer: Add festive sprinkles to your jam center ortop cookiesfor a boost of cheer to yourValentine’s Daycookies!
Substitutions
- Filling Options: Instead of traditional fruit preserves, trychocolate ganache,lemon curd, Nutella, cherry, orapricot jamfor different fillings.
- Usepowdered sugar(confectioners’ sugar) instead of granulated sugar.
- Different Shapes:Don’t let the heart shapes scare you away! Use around cookie cutter, scalloped cookie cutter, evenbiscuit cutters work! Make sure you have something smaller and similar in shape to remove that window for the jam.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers on the counter in anairtight containerfor up to 4 days or or refrigerate up to 7 days.
- Freeze these cookies in anairtight containerif you are making ahead or just made way too many! If you are stacking the almond cookies, place a sheet ofparchment paperbetween layers to keep the jam from sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.Thaw on the counter and enjoy!
- When freezing baked goods dustedpowdered sugar, thepowdered sugartypically “melts” into the cookies, but just re-dust!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Linzer Heart-Shaped Cookies in aFood Processor?
You bet! In the bowl of yourfood processor, pulse the all-purpose flour,almond flour, sugar, sugar, salt, and cinnamon until combined.
With the processor running, drop in the pieces ofcoldbutter, one at a time, pulsing a few times until the butter is evenly distributed and the dough is moistened and crumbly.
Add thealmond extract, egg yolk, and milk (for high altitude), then process until the dough sticks together.
How do I make sure my cookies hold their shape?
That is precisely why we frequently chill the dough in this recipe! Cold dough helps the cutting process run smoothly and allows the dough to retain shape in the oven too. Be sure to do this especially if your butter is extra soft, and your house is warm, this can impact the spread of the cookie.
Which jam is the best?
A tried and favorite brand is Bonne Maman. But any brand will work as long as there are no chunks of fruit and it is the color of the season you are baking for!
MoreValentine’s DayRecipes
- Ferrero Rocher Ice Cream
- Valentine Cake Pops
- Cookie Heart (Giant Cookie Cake Recipe)
- Easy Champagne Chocolate Truffles Recipe
- Easy Chocolate Mini Pies Recipe (French Silk)
- Rose Ice Cream Recipe (No Churn)
Best drinks to serve with Linzer raspberry cookies
Make it a party, and serve with these delicious drinks. Since it isValentine’s Day, I would offer this White Hot Chocolate, thisEasy Pomegranate Moscow Mule co*cktail Recipeor maybe thisSkinny Grapefruit Paloma Spritzer Mocktail.
Starbucks White Hot Chocolate Recipe
A quick and easy recipe on how to make a Starbucks White Hot Chocolate recipe at home. Save time and money, by making this fast copycat white hot chocolate recipe in the comfort of your own home.
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Easy Pomegranate Moscow Mule co*cktail Recipe (Holiday Mule)
Make this holiday mule in minutes! Our pomegranate mule is a fresh, festive, and easy co*cktail! With fresh pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, vodka and finished with spicy ginger beer. You might call it a Yule Mule!
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Skinny Grapefruit Paloma Spritzer Mocktail
This skinny non-alcoholic sparkling grapefruit mocktail surprises you with a bright citrus flavor, using fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, topped with ginger beer. A Paloma mocktail that is bubbly, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing!
Read more
Best main dishes to serve with Heart Cookies
Valentine’s Daysays decadence to me. Try making your sweetheart thisCrock Pot Beef Brisket, or my Sous VideLondon Broil. And while not a main dish, you may want to serve them withCharcuterie Cones (Bouquet).
How to Make Charcuterie Cones (Bouquet)
I'll teach you how to make a Charcuterie Bouquet or individual charcuterie cones, a creative and fun DIY treat for all special occasions! Skip the flowers and choose an edible bouquet using easy DIY paper cones; packed with meats, cheeses, nuts, fruit, and more.
Read more
Best Sous VideLondon Broil Recipe (Top Round)
Create a gourmet Sous Vide London Broil effortlessly! With only 10 minutes of prep, elevate an affordable cut to restaurant perfection.
Easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly.
Read more
Best Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe (Slow Cooker)
Simple ingredients, easy prep, amazing results! This crockpot brisket recipe slow cooks all day, great for busy weeknights, feeding a large family for Sunday dinner, or hosting friends.
Fall apart tender, slice or shred it for sandwiches!
Read more
Pro Tip
Be sure to complete this step:Wrap each dough disc inplastic wrapand set it in the fridge to chill for an hour.
You CAN make these Linzer Raspberry Cookies— if you did, would you share your creation onInstagram,Facebook, andPinterest?
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Classic Raspberry Linzer Heart Cookies Recipe
Linzer Raspberry Cookies are easier than you think! These heart jam cookies are little jewels of delight! A not-too-sweet, easy shortbread cookie and heart-shaped make them perfect for Valentine's Day!
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
Chill time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 15 sandwich cookies
Calories: 247kcal
Author: Kathleen Pope
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter unsalted or salted, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 large egg yolk room temperature
- ½ teaspoon almond extract replace with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste if preferred
- 1 ⅓ cups unbleached all-purpose flour increase to 1 ½ cups for High Altitude
- ¾ cup almond flour finely ground
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 cup raspberry preserves regular or seedless, try other jams flavors too, like strawberry
- powdered sugar for dusting
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
Prepare a couple of cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
In the bowl to your stand mixer, beat the butter (¾ cup/1 ½ sticks), sugar (½ cup) and cinnamon (1 tsp) on high until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the egg yolk (1) and almond extract (½ tsp) and continue beating for one minute.
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (1 ⅓ cups), the almond flour (¾ cup) and the sal (¼ tsp)t.
Slowly add the flour mixture ( about ⅓ of a cup at a time) to the wet mixture in the stand mixer and mix on low until it is combined and the dough begins to stick together.
Divide the dough in half, pat into a disc and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place in the fridge to chill for an hour.
Remove one of the dough pieces from the fridge and on a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ⅛ of an inch thick. I love this rolling pin with thickness rings for precise and even rolling.
Using the larger of the two heart shaped cookie cutters, cut out the heart shapes. Re-roll the scraps and repeat the process until the first dough portion is used. You should have 15-16 cookies from the first batch of dough. These are the bottoms of your Linzer Cookie.
Place the cookies on the baking sheet at least 1 inch apart and pop in the fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C).
While the first half of the cookies are chilling, roll the final portion of dough out just like the first and cut out your heart shape using the same cookie cutter as your bottom portion.
Transfer these cookies to a prepared baking sheet and use the smaller cookie cutter to cut out a heart in the center of the cookie. This will be the peekaboo center of the top of the Linzer cookie. Place in the fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes.
Bake cookies for 10-15 minutes (ever oven bakes different, start checking at 10 minutes). Let cool on the pan for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once all the cookies are completely cool, dust the peekaboo/cutout cookies with powdered sugar. Place a ½ teaspoon of jam in the middle of the full-sized, remaining cookies. Top with the powdered cutout cookie, squeezing them together slightly. Enjoy!
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.
Notes
- A crisp cookie with a nutty almond flavor. Not an overly sweet cookie.
- Although you have to chill the dough, the process is very simple and festive.
- When making the peekaboo cutout, it is best to leave at least half an inch from the edge so that the cookies don’t break when you are baking them.
- Don’t throw away the cutouts; bake them on a lined cookie sheet for 5-6 minutes for a little treat for the baker and family. If desired, dust with powdered sugar.
Linzer cookies are traditionally made at Christmas however it makes a great cookie for the Valentine season too.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers on the counter in an airtight container for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
- Freeze these cookies in an airtight container if you are making ahead or just made way too many! Place a sheet ofparchment paperbetween layers to keep the jam from sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.Thaw on the counter and enjoy!
- When freezing baked goods dusted powdered sugar, the powdered sugar typically “melts” into the cookies, but just re-dust!
Variations & Substitutions
- Zest:Add a teaspoon or two oflemon zestororange zestwhen making thesandwich cookies.
- Nut Variations: Experiment with nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for a unique flavor, make sure to grind into a fine flour.
- Spice it Up:Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or other spices to the dough for a spiced twist.
- Shape Variations:If you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, you can use other shapes like circles, stars, or flowers. Try ornament shapes at Christmas!
- Jam Choices:So many yummy jams, so little time. Choose your favorite!
- Holiday cheer: Add festive sprinkles to your jam center or top cookies for a boost of cheer to your Valentine’s Day cookies!
- Filling Options: Instead of traditional fruit preserves, trychocolate ganache,lemon curd, Nutella, cherry, orapricot jamfor different fillings.
- Usepowdered sugar(confectioners’ sugar) instead of granulated sugar.
- Different Shapes:Don’t let the heart shapes scare you away! Use around cookie cutter, scalloped cookie cutter, evenbiscuit cutters work! Make sure you have something smaller and similar in shape to remove that window for the jam.
Linzer Raspberry Cookies Food Processor
- In the bowl of your food processor, pulse the all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar sugar, salt and cinnamon until combined.
- With the processor running, drop in the pieces of cold butter, pulsing a few times until the butter is evenly distributed, and the dough is moistened and crumbly.
- Add the almond extract, egg yolk and milk (for high altitude), then process until the dough begins to sticks together. Turn dough onto surface sprinkled with powdered sugar, knead and proceed with recipe.
High Altitude Linzer Cookies
- Increase flour to 1 ½ cups.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to bring the dough into a smooth cookie dough.
- Chill, roll, cut out, and chill again as directed.
- Bake at 350° F for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are firm and start turning golden brown. Follow the rest of the recipe.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 301IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
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