Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies – A Heartfelt, Delicious Treat

Sometimes the best Valentine’s treats are the ones that look like they came from a bakery but taste like they came from your own kitchen. These soft and sweet Linzer cookies sparkle with powdered sugar and shine with jewel-like jam centers. With almond-scented dough and heart-shaped cutouts, they’re delicate, romantic, and surprisingly easy to make.

What Makes These Linzer Cookies Special

These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth softness that balances beautifully with the tart jam filling. The dough’s hint of almond gives each bite a cozy warmth, while the raspberry or strawberry jam adds just enough brightness. Their heart-shaped centers make them perfect for Valentine’s Day gifting, and their roots trace back to the Austrian Linzer torte, the dessert that inspired these charming sandwich cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need butter for tenderness, sugar for sweetness, and eggs for a little lift. Vanilla and almond extracts bring aroma and flavor depth. Flour keeps the cookies structured yet soft, while jam brings color and tang. A dusting of powdered sugar finishes everything with a soft sparkle. Expect a sweet, buttery bite with around 100–120 calories per cookie depending on filling choice.

Ingredients

• 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)

Tools and Cutters for the Perfect Linzer Shape

You’ll need two cookie cutters one larger for the base and one tiny heart for the cutout top. If you don’t own specialty cutters, a bottle cap and a straw work in a pinch. Smaller cutters yield cookies about 1 inch wide, perfect for bite-sized Valentine’s treats.

Pro Tips Before You Begin

Always chill your dough twice—first after rolling, then before baking. This keeps edges clean and ensures a soft texture. Rolling between parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps cleanup easy. Also, dust powdered sugar only on the top halves before sandwiching. Raspberry jam pairs beautifully with almond extract, but strawberry or lemon curd work too.

How to Make Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies (Step-by-Step)

Make the Dough

Cream butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Reduce the mixer speed and slowly add flour until just combined. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.

Roll, Chill, and Cut

Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Chill for 20 minutes. Cut half the dough into plain rounds and the other half into rounds with small heart cutouts. Arrange on a baking sheet and freeze for 3–5 minutes before baking to hold the shape.

Bake and Assemble

Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until edges look set but not browned. Let cookies cool completely. Dust only the top halves with powdered sugar. Spread jam on the bottoms and gently press the tops to form sandwiches. The jam will peek through like a little window.

Filling Options and Flavor Variations

You can swap raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry. For something richer, try Nutella or cookie butter. Lemon curd gives a tangy twist, while peanut butter turns them into a nutty surprise. Each variation keeps the soft and sweet Linzer cookies theme intact but adds a personal touch.

Storage Tips for Freshness and Soft Texture

Store your assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to one week. Keeping them chilled prevents the jam from seeping into the dough. You can also store unassembled cookies separately and fill them the next day for maximum softness.

Troubleshooting and Helpful Notes

If your cookies spread, your butter may be too warm or the dough under-chilled. Keep the dough cold before cutting and baking. Pale edges mean success golden ones usually mean overbaked. If powdered sugar covers your jam window, wait until assembly to dust. Sticky dough? Chill it a little longer or add a spoonful of flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• chocolate no-bake cookies perfect for gift boxes
• soft gingerbread cookies for cozy holiday baking
• apple pie bites with a flaky, cinnamon crust
• caramel apple cheesecake bars for a sweet indulgence
• cinnamon-sugar french toast muffins for breakfast or dessert
• pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodles for fall and Valentine’s treats
• cherry cobbler muffins with fruity flavor and soft crumb

Conclusion

These soft and sweet Linzer cookies make every bite feel special perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you want a little love in cookie form. With just a few simple steps and a bit of care, you’ll have treats that look as lovely as they taste. Share them, wrap them, or enjoy them warm with tea. For more cozy bakes, visit me on Pinterest or Facebook.

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