Shortbread Linzer Cookies With Strawberry Jam

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Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Strawberry Jam. Looking for the perfect Valentines Day cookie? This is the best Linzer cookie recipe, and I promise that you will not be disappointed. These heart shaped cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with flavor. The strawberry jam filling is perfect for Valentine's Day cookies but you can use any flavor jam or fruit preserve that you want!

There’s a reason why butter cookies with shortbread textures are so popular. They have a crispy outer crunch that literally melts in your mouth. One bite of these Linzer cookies, and you’re going to be hooked and ready for more. Good thing you can grab and hold one in each hand to enjoy!

Why are they called Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are derived from an Austrian dessert called the Linzertorte. This dessert is made from a butter dough pressed into a tart, filled with jam, and then topped with a lattice crust.

Linzer cookies are basically mini cookie versions of that. They’re small buttery cookies filled with jam and then topped with another buttery cookie! (because two is always better than one!)

Top Reasons To Make Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Strawberry Jam

They’re sweet, warm, and nutty because of the almond flour and cinnamon mixture
Every bite literally melts in your mouth!
Topped with powdered sugar, they’re the perfect sweetness

Variations for Shortbread Linzer Cookies

Change up the jam flavoring - You can use any type of berry jam or fruit spread that you love. Strawberry is popular, but raspberry Linzer cookies sound pretty amazing, too!

Leave off the powdered sugar - If you want to have a less sweet cookie, just leave off the powdered sugar.

Add rum - Yes, rum! If you want to add a splash of rum to your jam, it really pops the flavor! (This won’t work on preserves, so make sure you do this only to jam!)

Ingredients Needed To Make Linzer Heart Cookies

For the full printable recipe and ingredients, make sure to scroll to the bottom of the post. (Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this!)

Almond flour
All-purpose flour
Salt
Baking powder
Salted butter
Cinnamon
Egg
Vanilla
Strawberry Jam
Confectioners sugar for sprinkling

Tips for Making Almond Flour Linzer Cookies

Toast your almond flour. This brings out the natural oils in the almonds creating a depth of flavor. Keep an eye on it because it burns easily. Leave it in long enough to see your flour turn slightly golden in color and until you can smell the scents of almond!
Let your dough rest/chill. This helps your dough hold its shape in the oven. The second freeze is also highly recommended because after you handle your dough and roll it out, you warm it up again slightly. So the second chill helps chill your butter back up again. Resting your dough and chilling your butter also creates a more tender and soft cookie texture…. you won’t regret it!
Use a cookie cutter. To create these cut out shapes I used a small biscuit cutter for the circle cuts and a small heart shaped cookie cutter for the top center cuts. You can do any shapes you like. Get creative! They can be so beautiful!
Don’t skimp on the jam! I use a high-quality store bought jam. You can also make your own but don’t skimp on this because it’s the star of your show.

When you’re ready to bake these cookies in the oven, enjoy the smells of cinnamon, almond, and butter in the air! You’re going to love how fruity, warm, buttery yet crisp they are. These cookies are super simple and GORGEOUS!

How do you keep Linzer cookies from getting soggy?

The key to keeping the Linzer cookies crisp is that you want to keep them small while you’re making them. This allows for a smaller surface for the jam to be in, which means it won’t make the entire cookie soggy.

Can you toast almond flour?

What makes this the best Linzer cookie recipe is that I ALWAYS toast my almond flour when I am baking with it. This is key!

What flavors pair well with strawberry?

The notes of cinnamon go absolutely perfect with strawberry jam, but you can also replace the cinnamon with lemon zest for a more citrusy cookie that would be perfect for the warmer months.

Should Linzer cookies be refrigerated?

These butter cookies don’t have to be stored in the fridge, but you can if you want. The key is to have them in an airtight container. Keeping the air out will keep them crisp for as long as possible.

Do Linzer cookies freeze well?

They do! Since this makes a large batch of homemade Linzer cookies, why not freeze some for later? The best way to freeze these simple cookies is to freeze them before adding in a jam. Then, when you’re ready to unthaw and enjoy, you can add in a jam and eat!

Can you freeze Linzer cookie dough?

The best way to save Linzer tarts is to freeze them after they’ve been baked.

Are Linzer Cookies considered a Christmas cookie or Valentine's Day cookie?

The best part about Linzer cookies is how versatile the recipe is! You can make these butter cookies for any occasion or holiday. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter for a delicious Valentine's Day treat or use a Christmas tree shaped cookie cutter for the perfect Christmas cookie!

If you are looking for more ideas for Valentine's Day desserts, try out a few of my red velvet recipes below:

Lastly, if you try out these Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Strawberry Jam, be sure to leave a comment/rating on how they turned out. I love hearing from you guys and will try my best to reply to every comment! And don't forget to tag me on Instagram!