Snowflake Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, charming, and utterly delicious treat, these Snowflake Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling are a must-try. Picture delicate, buttery cookies perfectly shaped like snowflakes, sandwiching a generous dollop of sweet-tart raspberry jam. Their snowy dusting of powdered sugar not only makes them look magical but adds an extra touch of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or craving a cozy afternoon delight, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of tender cookie texture and vibrant raspberry flavor that will quickly become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to creating that classic Linzer cookie magic. Each element plays a special role, from the richness of the butter to the zing of lemon zest, ensuring your cookies are bursting with flavor and perfect texture.

• All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups provide the structure needed for tender yet sturdy cookies.
• Unsalted butter, softened: ½ cup adds richness and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
• Raspberry jam: 1 cup of high-quality jam brings a vibrant, fruity filling with the perfect sweet-tart balance.
• Egg yolk: 1 adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Lemon zest: Zest from 1 lemon provides a fresh, bright lift that complements the raspberry filling.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting and adding that festive snowy look.

How to Make Snowflake Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is crucial for that tender texture. Then, mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest, which brightens the flavor and adds a subtle zing. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour while mixing on a low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough instead of tender.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is essential as it prevents the cookies from spreading out too much while baking, helping you achieve crisp, well-defined snowflake shapes.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness for that perfect balance between delicate and sturdy. Use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies, remembering to create cut-outs for about half the cookies so you have “windows” to peek through once the jam is sandwiched inside. The attention to detail here makes these cookies feel truly special and festive.

Step 4: Bake

Arrange your cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and pop them in the oven to bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be lightly golden around the edges but still pale in the middle. Overbaking can dry them out, so once they look ready, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Assemble and Dust

Once cooled, spread a generous amount of raspberry jam on the whole cookie bases. Carefully top with the cut-out snowflake cookies, gently pressing together to create perfect sandwich cookies. The final flourish is a dusting of powdered sugar, giving you that picturesque, snowy look that makes these cookies so inviting and joyful.

How to Serve Snowflake Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling

Garnishes

Snowflake Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling are stunning on their own, but adding a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar just before serving delivers a light, snowy effect. For a festive touch, try garnishing your platter with fresh raspberries or a few mint leaves to complement the filling and provide a pop of color.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, rich coffee, or even a mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. Because they’re sweet but not overpowering, a creamy beverage helps elevate the overall tasting experience, turning your snack into a cozy ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, arrange the cookies on a tiered serving tray layered with fresh evergreen sprigs for a magical winter display. Alternatively, package them in clear gift boxes tied with a bright ribbon—these make perfect homemade gifts that are as delightful to receive as they are to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Snowflake Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies will maintain their crisp edges while the raspberry jam stays luscious, ready to be enjoyed anytime.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, freeze the baked cookie halves (without jam) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw and then assemble with fresh raspberry jam. This method ensures the dough stays fresh without sogginess.

Reheating

These cookies are best served at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly warm treat, give them just a few seconds in the microwave. Avoid overheating, as the delicate cookies can become soft and lose their wonderful texture.

FAQs

Can I use other jams besides raspberry?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is the classic choice for a tangy finish, you can experiment with apricot, strawberry, or even blackberry jam depending on your personal taste and the season. Just choose a high-quality jam for the best flavor and consistency.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting is key to preventing excessive spreading. Also, avoid overworking the dough, which can activate the gluten and create tougher cookies that won’t hold their shape well.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, so chilling the dough becomes even more important.

What’s the best way to get even thickness when rolling dough?

Using rolling pin guides or placing the dough between two sheets of parchment paper can help maintain an even thickness. Consistency ensures your snowflake cookies bake evenly and look uniform.

Do these cookies keep well for holiday gift-giving?

Yes, they do! Properly storing them in airtight containers keeps them fresh for a few days, and freezing the cookie pieces separately allows you to assemble just before gifting for a fresh homemade touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about baking and sharing Snowflake Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling. From their charming appearance to their delightful flavor harmony, they are a true celebration on a plate. I encourage you to try making these yourself—they bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion and create memories with every bite. Happy baking!