Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies: A Stunning Holiday Favorite with a Twist
Delicate almond shortbread, sweet cherry preserves, and a light sugar glaze come together in these beautifully layered, melt-in-your-mouth Linzer cookies—perfect for any celebration.
Linzer cookies are a timeless holiday classic originating from Austria, where they evolved from the famous Linzer Torte. Traditionally filled with raspberry preserves and dusted with powdered sugar, this version puts a fresh, flavorful twist on the original: Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies.
These cookies feature buttery almond-based shortbread, a bright cherry filling, and a thin layer of glossy icing that not only adds flavor and texture but also elevates their visual appeal. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or a fancy tea party, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the process—from dough to assembly, icing, storage, and creative variations. Let’s get baking!
❤️ Why You’ll Love Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies
✔️ Elegant and festive—perfect for gifting or holiday trays
✔️ Delicate almond flavor that pairs beautifully with cherry preserves
✔️ Light sugar glaze for an extra layer of sweetness and shine
✔️ Make-ahead friendly—bake and freeze in advance
✔️ Customizable with different shapes, fillings, and finishes
✔️ Crowd-pleaser with stunning visual appeal
🧾 Ingredients Breakdown
Each component plays a vital role. Here’s what you need and why:
For the Almond Cookie Dough:
- All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies their structure.
- Almond flour – Adds a nutty, tender crumb and authentic flavor.
- Unsalted butter – The base of the cookie, adding rich flavor and flakiness.
- Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Almond extract – Key to that signature almond taste.
- Salt – Balances sweetness.
For the Filling:
- Cherry preserves or jam – Sweet, slightly tart filling that contrasts beautifully with the cookie.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Almond or vanilla extract (optional)
🍪 Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe
Yield: About 20–24 filled sandwich cookies (40–48 single cookies)
🧈 Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup almond flour (finely ground, not coarse almond meal)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling:
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves (seedless if preferred)
Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using 2-inch round or fluted cookie cutters.
- For half of the cookies, cut a smaller shape (heart, star, etc.) in the center to create the “window.”
- Transfer to baking sheets and chill for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Step 4: Fill the Cookies
- Once completely cool, spread 1/2 to 1 tsp of cherry preserves onto the flat side of each solid cookie.
- Gently press a “window” cookie on top.
Step 5: Ice the Cookies
- Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable (but not runny).
- Drizzle over cookies or pipe icing around the cutout windows.
- Let icing set completely before storing.
💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Linzer Cookies
- Use almond flour, not almond meal: Almond meal contains skins and is too coarse.
- Chill the dough: Prevents cookies from spreading and helps cut sharper edges.
- Avoid overfilling: Too much jam will ooze out.
- Use a piping bag or spoon for icing for precision.
- Make icing thicker for outlining, thinner for drizzling.
- Let cookies set overnight for best flavor and texture.
🍒 Flavor Variations & Custom Ideas
🍓 Raspberry Almond Linzers
Swap cherry preserves for classic raspberry jam.
🍫 Chocolate Linzer Cookies
Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough and fill with chocolate ganache.
🍋 Lemon Linzers
Use lemon curd for a bright, tart twist. Glaze with lemon icing.
🌰 Hazelnut Variation
Use hazelnut flour instead of almond and fill with Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread.
💘 Themed Shapes
Use heart, snowflake, or flower cutters for Valentine’s, Christmas, or spring parties.
🎁 How to Gift or Serve Linzer Cookies
- Holiday cookie trays
- Valentine’s Day cookie boxes
- Tea parties and bridal showers
- Wedding or baby shower favors
- Wrapped in cellophane bags with ribbon
They make a beautiful, delicious addition to any dessert table or edible gift.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator:
- Store for up to 7–10 days. Iced cookies may soften slightly over time.
Freezer:
- Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 3 months.
- Fill and ice after thawing to preserve texture.
Pro Tip: You can freeze assembled cookies too, but wrap them tightly and separate layers with wax paper.
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Assembled Cookie – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150–180 kcal |
| Fat | 8–10 g |
| Carbs | 18–20 g |
| Sugar | 10–14 g |
| Protein | 2–3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Values may vary depending on jam, icing, and cookie cutter size.
Table of Contents
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Linzer cookie dough in advance?
A: Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the difference between almond flour and almond meal?
A: Almond flour is finer and blanched (no skins), perfect for delicate cookies. Almond meal is coarser and darker, and will change the texture.
Q: Can I use a different nut flour?
A: Yes! You can substitute hazelnut or pecan flour, though it will slightly change the taste.
Q: Do I have to ice the cookies?
A: Not at all. The glaze is optional but adds sweetness, a nice finish, and visual appeal. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead.
Q: What if I don’t have a Linzer cookie cutter?
A: Use any round cutter and a small piping tip, bottle cap, or heart cutter to make the center window.
Q: Can I use store-bought jam?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thick and not too runny—otherwise it may ooze or make the cookies soggy.
Q: Why did my cookies turn out too hard?
A: Overbaking is the usual cause. Remove cookies as soon as the edges turn golden. They continue to firm up as they cool.
Q: Can these be made gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure your almond flour is gluten-free certified.
🌟 Final Thoughts: A New Classic for Your Cookie Repertoire
Iced Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are more than just beautiful—they’re tender, flavorful, and unforgettable. With their nutty base, vibrant cherry filling, and glossy glaze, they stand out on any dessert table and hold their own among traditional holiday cookies.
They also offer flexibility. Customize them for different seasons, swap the filling, or leave off the icing entirely. Once you try making these, they’re bound to become a permanent favorite in your baking rotation.