Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam

Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam are a delightful spin on the traditional Linzer cookie, featuring buttery shortbread dough and a vibrant homemade raspberry-cranberry jam. These cookies are festive, flavorful, and absolutely perfect for the holiday season. If you love a cookie that's both beautiful and packed with flavor, you're going to fall hard for these.

This version is nut-free, using a soft shortbread dough instead of almond flour, making it accessible to more people and a bit easier to work with. The result is a cookie that looks impressive but is approachable enough for beginner bakers. Whether you're making them for a cookie exchange, gifting them in boxes, or just baking for a cozy winter afternoon, these jam-filled sandwich cookies are bound to impress.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Taste and Texture
• Dietary Attributes
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion
• More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
• Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam

And if you're already planning your Christmas cookie lineup, these are the kind of showstoppers that deserve center stage.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results

This recipe uses pantry staples like flour, butter, sugar, and an egg, making it budget-friendly and easy to pull together. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or professional equipment.

A Beautiful Holiday Cookie

With a pop of deep red jam and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are naturally festive. They look like they belong in a holiday bakery window.

Easy to Customize

You can use a variety of jams, play with cookie cutter shapes, and adjust flavorings. This is a great base recipe for all kinds of creative variations.

Taste and Texture

Buttery and Chewy

The shortbread cookie base is rich and buttery with a delicate crumb. It’s tender and just the right amount of sweet.

Fruity and Tangy Center

The raspberry-cranberry jam filling brings bold flavor. It’s sweet with a subtle tartness, and the port wine adds richness that balances the berries perfectly.

Soft Meets Crisp

These cookies have soft centers with a crisp edge and a bit of chew from the jam. They hold together beautifully without being too firm or crumbly.

Dietary Attributes

• Nut-free
• Vegetarian
• Can be made dairy-free and gluten-free with simple swaps
• No artificial flavorings or colorings if using homemade jam

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Shortbread Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the Raspberry Cranberry Jam

• 1½ cups frozen cranberries
• ½ cup frozen raspberries
• ¾ cup port wine
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter. Let it sit at room temperature until soft but not greasy.
• Cornstarch: Helps the cookies hold their shape and gives a tender texture.
• Vanilla: A good vanilla extract or paste makes a big difference in flavor.
• Frozen Berries: Preferred over fresh since they break down faster for thick jam.
• Port Wine: Adds depth and richness to the jam. You can use a non-alcoholic red grape juice if needed.

Substitutions

• Use lemon curd or chocolate ganache instead of jam for a different flavor profile.
• Store-bought jam can be used in a pinch.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based butter sticks (not margarine).
• To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Jam

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, raspberries, port wine, and brown sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing the berries as they soften. The jam should become thick and rich. Remove from heat and refrigerate until fully cooled.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together. It should be soft and a little crumbly.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Once chilled, roll each disc between two sheets of parchment paper until ¼-inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Cut Out Cookies

Use a 2½-inch round cookie cutter to cut an even number of cookie bases. Use a smaller decorative cutter to cut out the centers of half the cookies.

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze again for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are matte and the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden. Do not overbake. Let cool completely.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Dust the top cookies (the ones with the cut-out centers) with powdered sugar.

Flip the bottom cookies upside down. Spread about 1 teaspoon of cooled jam in the center of each, then gently sandwich the powdered cookie on top.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Best Practices

• Always chill and freeze the dough to prevent spreading and to get clean edges.
• Use a kitchen scale for more accurate and consistent results.
• Let the jam cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: If the cookies go too far, they’ll be dry. Bake until just set and matte on top.
• Not chilling the dough: Warm dough is sticky and difficult to cut neatly. Keep it cold.
• Thin jam: If the jam isn’t cooked down enough, it will leak out when sandwiched.

Time-Saving Tips

• Make the jam and dough a day ahead.
• Freeze unbaked cookies and bake them fresh when needed.
• Use store-bought jam if short on time.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with other holiday cookies for a mixed cookie platter.
• Perfect alongside a cup of spiced tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Presentation Ideas

• Use different cookie cutter shapes for seasonal flair.
• Stack cookies in gift boxes or jars with parchment in between.

Beverage Pairings

• Earl Grey or chamomile tea
• Spiced mulled wine
• Vanilla latte or cappuccino
• Sparkling cranberry mocktail for a festive non-alcoholic option

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate if your kitchen is especially warm.
• Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• These cookies don’t require reheating, but you can warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations and Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute with vegan butter sticks.
• Egg-Free: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).

Flavor Twists

• Add almond extract to the dough for a traditional Linzer flavor.
• Spice the dough with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
• Use lemon or orange zest in the dough for a citrusy twist.

Seasonal or Holiday Versions

• Use heart-shaped cutters and strawberry jam for Valentine’s Day.
• Use pumpkin butter filling for a fall-themed treat.
• Make mini cookies for party trays or edible gifts.

Conclusion

Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam are the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. They’re festive enough for a holiday party, yet simple enough to enjoy on a quiet December afternoon with a warm drink. With their soft, buttery texture and bright fruity filling, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will walk you through each step to make perfect sandwich cookies every time. Be sure to tag your creations and share them with friends. Happy baking!

More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re in the mood for more holiday cookie inspiration, check out these favorites:

• Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies
• Soft Cutout Cookies (Perfect for Decorating)
• Chewy Sugar Cookies – Soft and Fluffy

Want more baking inspiration and decorating ideas? Visit me on Pinterest at bakewithlina.com on Pinterest for even more sweet holiday bakes.

Print