Cranberry Linzer Cookies are a beautiful and delicious twist on the classic holiday treat. These cookies combine a rich, buttery almond dough with a bright cranberry filling that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Their delicate flavor and charming cutout centers make them a showstopping cookie for Christmas, parties, or gifting.
Cranberry Linzer Cookies :
These cookies are not only gorgeous but also incredibly satisfying to bake. The soft dough rolls out smoothly, while the cranberry jam adds vibrant color and festive flair. Every bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with fruity richness, making these cookies a memorable holiday favourite.
History:
Linzer cookies originated from the famous Austrian Linzer Torte, one of the oldest known cakes in Europe. The torte features an almond crust filled with fruit preserves. Over time, bakers adapted this recipe into small sandwich cookies with decorative cutouts. Traditionally made with raspberry filling, modern variations like cranberry filling add a seasonal twist while preserving the classic almond flavour.
Subscribe to our youtube channel Kitchenpedia for more delicious recipes and hit the like button if you enjoyed this youtubevideo. Share it with your friends and Family.
Cranberry Linzer Cookies – Festive, Buttery, and Delightfully Elegant
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cranberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla. Mix well.
- Combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Mix until dough forms.
- Divide dough, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Cut out cookies, making small center shapes in half.
- Cool completely.
- Prepare the filling by simmering cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water until thickened.
- Strain for a smooth texture if desired.
- Spread filling on the base cookies.
- Sandwich together and serve.
Notes
- Chill dough for cleaner, sharper cutout shapes.
- Use homemade or store-bought cranberry jam if in a hurry.
- Let filling cool completely before assembling.
- Store cookies between parchment layers to avoid sticking.
- Dust powdered sugar only on top cookies, not the filling.
Tips for Cranberry Linzer Cookies :
- Roll dough evenly to prevent uneven baking.
- Work quickly with chilled dough to keep shapes intact.
- Replace cranberry jam with raspberry or strawberry if desired.
- Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender.
- Let cookies rest overnight for deeper flavour.
FAQs for Linzer Cookies:
Q: Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies without filling for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use almond extract?
A few drops will enhance the almond flavor beautifully.
Q: Why did my cookies spread?
Warm dough causes spreading. Always chill before baking.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead?
Yes. Store cranberry jam in the fridge for up to one week.
Q: Do I need almond flour?
Yes, it gives classic Linzer cookies their signature texture.
Conclusion:
Cranberry Linzer Cookies are festive, elegant, and packed with delicious almond and cranberry flavours. They are perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or adding charm to a cookie platter. With their bright centers and buttery texture, these cookies bring beauty and joy to every celebration.