The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Jam Sandwich Cookies (Linzer Cookies Recipe)

There’s something truly magical about a homemade cookie, and these jam sandwich cookies are no exception. Imagine a delicate, crunchy shortbread cookie, generously filled with sweet, vibrant jam, and dusted with a snow-like layer of powdered sugar. Often referred to as Linzer cookies, these delightful treats bring a touch of elegance and festivity to any occasion, especially during the holidays.

While they are perfect for making your holiday season a little more festive, their timeless appeal means they can be enjoyed year-round. The simple yet satisfying combination of buttery shortbread and fruity jam makes them a staple in many kitchens. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment to create these beautiful and delicious cookies. A simple round cookie cutter, or even just a knife, can help you achieve stunning results. They are not just a treat; they’re an experience, perfect for baking with children or preparing for a special gathering.

What Are Jam Sandwich Cookies? A Classic Treat Explained

Jam sandwich cookies are a delightful confection consisting of two buttery shortbread cookies embracing a sweet jam filling. The top cookie typically features a cutout in its center, allowing the colorful jam to peek through, creating an inviting visual appeal. Once assembled, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a charming, rustic finish, reminiscent of a snowy winter wonderland.

These cookies are celebrated for their contrasting textures: the crisp snap of the shortbread giving way to the soft, fruity center. They are incredibly versatile, allowing bakers to experiment with various jam flavors, from classic raspberry to tangy apricot or sweet strawberry. Their rich, buttery base and sweet filling make them an instant crowd-plepleaser, ideal for dessert platters, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Are Jam Sandwich Cookies the Same as Linzer Cookies?

The terms “jam sandwich cookies” and “Linzer cookies” are often used interchangeably, and for good reason! Both refer to a type of buttery shortbread cookie filled with jam, usually with a cutout on the top cookie. The key difference often lies in their historical and geographical origins, as well as slight variations in dough composition.

Linzer cookies are traditionally derived from the famous Austrian Linzer Torte, a rich, spiced pastry with a lattice top. The cookie version, Linzer Augen (Linzer Eyes), typically uses an almond-flour enriched dough, often spiced with cinnamon or cloves, and traditionally filled with redcurrant or raspberry jam. They are considered a classic Austrian pastry. Jam sandwich cookies, while sharing the same charming aesthetic and delicious concept, usually refer to a more generalized version that might omit the almond flour or specific spices, making them a broader category of jam-filled shortbreads. Regardless of the name, both offer a delightful union of tender cookie and fruity jam, making them universally beloved.

Why You’ll Love This Jam Sandwich Cookie Recipe

Irresistibly Delicious: The perfect balance of a crunchy, buttery cookie and a sweet, tangy jam filling.
Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, making it an accessible recipe for all bakers.
Visually Appealing: The cutout top and powdered sugar dusting create an elegant and inviting presentation.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite jam flavors or cookie cutter shapes.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies hold up well and make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family.
Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project for children, from mixing to cutting out shapes.

Essential Ingredients for Your Jam Sandwich Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies starts with a few basic, high-quality ingredients. For the best shortbread, always opt for good quality butter, as it forms the foundation of the cookie’s flavor and texture. Raspberry jam is a classic choice, but feel free to explore other fruit preserves that you love!

Ingredients:

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Essential for a rich, tender crumb. Ensure it’s truly softened, not melted, for proper creaming.
1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s delicate texture.
1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base of your shortbread.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery flavor.
Raspberry jam (or your favorite jam): The star of the filling!

How to Make Jam Sandwich Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create perfect, buttery jam sandwich cookies that will impress everyone!

Instructions:

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for the tender texture of the shortbread. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, salt, and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the cookies tough. The dough should come together easily without being sticky.
Chill the Dough: Gather the dough, flatten it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is essential; it firms up the butter, prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, and makes the dough easier to handle and cut.
Roll and Cut Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper, roll out the chilled dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Use your preferred cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For the “sandwich” effect, ensure you cut an equal number of whole cookies and cookies with a small center cutout (using a smaller cookie cutter or piping tip for the center). Reroll dough scraps gently, but avoid overworking the dough. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the pre-heated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still look pale in the center. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and cookie thickness, so keep a close eye on them. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble and Fill: Once cooled, dust the cookies with the center cutouts generously with powdered sugar. On the whole cookies (the bottoms), place about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam in the center. Gently place a sugar-dusted cutout cookie on top of a jam-covered whole cookie, pressing lightly to sandwich them together. Refrigerate the assembled cookies for about 15-30 minutes before serving, or until needed, to allow the jam to set slightly.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Jam Sandwich Cookies

Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly; if it’s melted, the dough will be greasy and hard to work with.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough after adding flour can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until just combined.
Chill Thoroughly: Do not skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for preventing spread and ensuring crisp, well-shaped cookies.
Even Thickness: Roll out the dough to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness for even baking. Using a rolling pin with thickness guides can be very helpful.
Flour Lightly: When rolling, use just enough flour to prevent sticking. Too much flour will make the cookies dry.
Choose Your Jam Wisely: Opt for a good quality, thicker jam or preserve. Runnier jams might seep out during baking or make the cookies soggy. Seedless jams are often preferred for a smoother texture.
Dust After Baking: Always dust the top cookies with powdered sugar *after* baking and cooling to achieve that perfect snowy look.
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before handling and assembling to prevent breakage.

Variations and Customizations for Your Cookies

While the classic raspberry jam sandwich cookie is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative with your flavors and decorations!

Change the Jam: Experiment with apricot, strawberry, blueberry, cherry, or even lemon curd for different flavor profiles.
Add Spices: For a more traditional Linzer flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, aromatic twist.
Nutty Dough: For a Linzer-style cookie, replace 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with finely ground almonds or hazelnuts.
Cookie Cutter Shapes: Beyond the standard rounds, use heart, star, or flower-shaped cookie cutters for different occasions.
Chocolate Drizzle: After assembling, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the finished cookies for an extra touch of decadence.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serving:

Jam sandwich cookies are perfect alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters, dessert buffets, or as a sweet snack any time of day. Their elegant appearance also makes them ideal for gifting.

Storage:

Store assembled jam sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. Once baked and assembled, the cookies can also be frozen for up to 1 month; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use any type of jam?

Yes, you can use any jam you like! However, thicker jams or fruit preserves tend to work best as they are less likely to run out of the cookies during assembly or storage. Seedless jams often provide a smoother eating experience.

My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?

Cookies spreading too much can be due to several factors: butter being too soft or melted, not chilling the dough enough, or too much leavening (though this recipe uses no baking powder/soda, so it’s less likely to be that). Ensure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and always chill your dough for the recommended time.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

How can I make the cutouts perfect?

For clean cutouts, ensure your dough is evenly rolled and well-chilled. Dip your cookie cutters in flour before each cut to prevent sticking. If using a small cutter for the center, a piping tip can work wonders!

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 25-30 sandwiched cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. The original recipe stated 59 “sandwiched cookies” which might imply smaller cookies or a different interpretation of “sandwich”. I will stick to a reasonable yield for typical cookie sizes.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Cookie

Jam sandwich cookies, whether you call them Linzer cookies or by their charming English name, are a delightful addition to any baker’s repertoire. Their delicate texture, rich buttery flavor, and sweet jam filling make them an undeniable classic. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are perfect for celebrating special moments, sharing with loved ones, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet bliss. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these truly irresistible treats!

More Cookie Recipes to Try:

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
3 Ingredient Butter Cookies
Peach Cookies

Print
Rate
Pin

Jam Sandwich Cookies (Linzer Style)

Prep Time:

1 hour

20 minutes

Cook Time:

6-8 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

30 minutes

Servings:

25-30
sandwiched cookies

Author:
Alyona’s Cooking

These jam filled sandwich cookies are crunchy shortbread cookies, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Often called Linzer cookies, they are a delightful treat for all ages!

Ingredients

For the Jam Sandwich Cookies:

2 sticks unsalted butter softened (1 cup)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Raspberry jam (or your favorite flavor)
Extra powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

How to make Jam Sandwich Cookies:

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, salt, and vanilla extract until just combined. Gradually mix in the flour on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Do not overmix.
Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This chilling step is crucial for preventing spread and making the dough easy to handle.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper, roll out the chilled dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Use your preferred cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Cut an equal number of whole cookies for the bottom and cookies with a small center cutout for the top. Gather and gently re-roll scraps once or twice. Transfer cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once completely cooled, dust the top cookies (with the center cutouts) generously with powdered sugar. Place about 1/2 tsp of raspberry jam on the center of each whole cookie. Gently place a sugar-dusted cutout cookie on top of a jam-covered whole cookie, pressing lightly to sandwich them together. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the jam to set slightly, then serve or store.