Linzer cookies are popular Christmas and Valentine's day cookies. The cookies typically consist of two sheets of almond cookie, sandwiching a fruit jam. There is a shape cut out in the top cookie so you can see the jam inside. Traditionally, linzer cookies use ground almonds. But if you don’t want almonds in your diet, here’s how to make the best linzer cookie recipe without almond flour.
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Why you'll love these homemade linzer cookies without almonds
- Perfect for those who have nut allergies
- They taste similar to shortbread cookies
- A classic sandwich cookie that looks complicated to make, but is actually quite simple
Ingredients
- all purpose flour
- unsalted room temperature butter
- sugar
- egg yolks from large eggs
- lemon zest
- vanilla extract
- jam or preserves
What kind of cookie cutter do I need for linzer cookies?
A linzer cookie cutter set is currently under $10 and provides a scalloped cutter for the outer cookie and six cut-outs for the top of your cookie: heart, star, diamond, circle, triangle and flower.
How to make nut-free linzer cookies
Mix the room temperature butter in the stand mixer bowl until light and fluffy, and then add sugar and continue mixing. Next, add in egg yolks, lemon zest and vanilla extract and continue mixing. Finally, add in flour and mix until just combined.
Make two round balls out of the dough by dividing it in half. Wrap them in the plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the balls of dough using a rolling pin.
Cut out the cookies with the scalloped cookie cutter. On half of the cookies, use the smaller inner linzer cookie cutter to make a smaller cut out in the middle of the cookie.
Place parchment paper on your baking sheet. Place cookie tops and bottoms onto the sheet.
Bake for 9 minutes until very lightly golden on edges. Oven temperatures vary so keep an eye on the cookies.
Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool. Once the cookies have cooled, add a small amount of jam filling (whatever flavor you prefer) to the bottoms and press the top cookie with cutout lightly onto the bottom cookie.
You can even choose to dust these shortbread linzer cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Although linzer cookies are often made with almond flour, you don’t have to use it to make a delicious version. These cookies taste just as good while being nut free.
If you like this best linzer cookie recipe without almond flour, and are looking for a more pie-like linzer dessert, try this Raspberry Linzer Torte from Hostess at Heart.
📖 Recipe
Best Linzer Cookie Recipe without Almond Flour
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ sticks unsalted butter room temperature
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 lemon; zested
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all purpose unbleached organic flour
- 1 cup jam of choice
Instructions
- Mix the room temperature butter first in the stand mixer bowl until light and fluffy and then add sugar and continue mixing. Next, add in egg yolks, lemon zest and vanilla extract and continue mixing. Finally, add in flour and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and make two round balls. Wrap it in the plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Roll out the cookie dough balls on a floured surface. Cut out the cookies with the scalloped cookie cutter. On half of the cookies, use the smaller inner linzer cookie cutter to make a smaller cut out in the middle of the cookie.
- Place parchment paper on baking sheet. Place cookie tops and bottoms onto the sheet.
- Bake for 9 minutes until very lightly golden on edges. Oven temperatures vary so keep an eye on the cookies.
- Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Once the cookies have cooled add a small lump of jam to the bottoms and press the top cookie with cutout lightly onto the bottom cookie.
- Shift powdered sugar over the tops of the cookies. Store in airtight container.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online calculators. Your nutritional information may vary depending on numerous factors.
Frequently asked questions
You can use a variety of jams depending on your taste. Raspberry jam is the most popular type of filling, but strawberry jam and apricot jam are delicious too.
This Linzer Cookie Recipe makes a tasty cookie that gets its name from the city of Linz, in Austria.
They will last 2-3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
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Colleen
These cookies are so cute, and I have a niece who has a tree nut allergy, so I am excited to make these for her!
Andrea
Oh do these look marvelous and easy to make. Will be making these with the grandkids.
Dana Sandonato
I've always wanted to make cookies like this, but they looked so intimidating (I don't bake often). But these were so easy and so so rewarding because damn, are they ever good! I definitely spent a good 10 minutes admiring them before digging in, though 🙂
Alison
These Linzer cookies are just as good as the ones with almond flour! Nice and crisp!
veenaazmanov
Cant wait to try your recipe. These cookies look so delicious and tempting and I love your unique recipe too.