Looking for a beautiful, classic holiday cookie that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning? Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies might just become your new favorite! These tender, buttery cookies are filled with sweet cherry preserves and lightly flavored with almond, making them a perfect combination of fruity and nutty. A dusting of powdered sugar gives these sandwich cookies an elegant finish. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering or as a gift, these cookies are sure to impress. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making these delightful treats!

What Are Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are a variation of the Linzer torte, a traditional Austrian pastry made with nuts and fruit preserves. The cookie version consists of two almond-flavored shortbread cookies sandwiched together with jam in the middle. What sets them apart is the beautiful cut-out on the top cookie, revealing the bright, jewel-like jam beneath. In this version, we use cherry preserves, which add a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the rich almond flavor of the cookies. The result is a cookie that’s as delicious as it is beautiful—a perfect centerpiece for any dessert table.

Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour (finely ground almonds)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the Filling and Garnish:

½ cup cherry preserves or cherry jam (seedless if possible)
Powdered sugar for dusting

Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to make adjustments based on your dietary needs or available ingredients, here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try. For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can substitute any other fruit jam or preserve you prefer, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot. If you don’t have almond flour, you can finely grind raw almonds in a food processor, or use hazelnut flour for a different flavor profile. For an extra almond punch, sprinkle some slivered almonds on top of the finished cookies before serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to firm it up. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading while baking.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛ inch thick. Use a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter to cut out as many circles as possible and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the second disc of dough, but use a smaller, decorative cookie cutter (such as a star, heart, or circle) to cut out the center of half the cookies. These will be your top cookies.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling: While the cookies are cooling, gently heat the cherry preserves in a small saucepan over low heat until slightly thinned. If the preserves are too chunky, you can strain them or blend them for a smoother texture.
Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread about 1 teaspoon of cherry preserves on the bottom side of each solid cookie. Place a cut-out cookie on top, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, lightly dust the tops of the cookies (the ones with the cut-outs) with powdered sugar. This will give your Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies that signature festive look.

How to Cook Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Linzer cookies requires a little patience, but the result is well worth the effort. The key steps to remember include chilling the dough so the cookies maintain their shape during baking, and ensuring that the cookies are fully cooled before assembling. If the cookies are too warm, the jam can become runny and the cookies may not hold together as well. For a clean and professional finish, always dust the top cookies with powdered sugar before sandwiching them with the jam to avoid sugar mixing into the jam filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when making Linzer cookies is rolling the dough too thick or too thin. Aim for an even thickness of about ⅛ inch to ensure the cookies bake evenly and sandwich neatly without breaking. Another pitfall is overfilling the cookies with jam, which can cause the filling to ooze out and create a messy appearance. Stick to about 1 teaspoon of filling per cookie to maintain a neat and professional look. Finally, be sure to allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and assembling them—this prevents the powdered sugar from melting into the jam and losing its aesthetic appeal.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful to look at, making them a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table. Serve them arranged on a decorative platter or cookie tray, perhaps paired with other holiday cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies. The cut-out shapes in the center of the cookies give a sneak peek at the delicious filling, making them an attractive and eye-catching dessert. These cookies also make a thoughtful homemade gift—just place them in a decorative tin or box, lined with parchment paper, and tie it with a ribbon for a festive touch.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or mulled wine. Serve them after dinner as a light dessert or include them in your holiday cookie exchange. Because of their delicate almond flavor and sweet cherry filling, they’re a delightful treat to enjoy any time of day. Their festive appearance also makes them a lovely centerpiece for holiday parties and gatherings.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

To make your Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies stand out even more, consider arranging them on a plate with other seasonal treats, such as chocolate-dipped biscotti or candied nuts. You can use different shapes for the cookie cut-outs, like stars, hearts, or even holiday-themed cutters like snowflakes or trees. A dusting of edible glitter or finely crushed freeze-dried cherries around the edges can add an extra festive touch. You could also drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies for an additional layer of decoration.

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookie Recipe Tips

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they’re just lightly golden at the edges, so keep a close eye on them while they bake.
Store Properly: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep them longer, freeze the unassembled cookies and fill them with jam just before serving.
Strain the Jam: If your cherry preserves are chunky or have seeds, strain them for a smoother filling that spreads evenly and looks more polished.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of jam?
Yes! While cherry preserves are delicious, you can substitute any type of jam or fruit preserve, such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry, depending on your preference.

How long do Linzer cookies last?
Once filled, Linzer cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the unassembled cookies and fill them with jam later.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.

Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Yes, unassembled cookies freeze well. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw and fill with jam.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and make sure your almond flour is gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery, nutty shortbread and sweet, tangy cherry preserves. Their elegant appearance, paired with their delicate flavor, makes them perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. Whether you're gifting them to loved ones or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to impress with both their taste and presentation. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the delicious, festive flavor of Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies!