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These Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies are a perfect holiday treat. Learn how to make these holiday cookies from Austria here with this delicious and easy recipe! Egg-free, with a dairy-free, nut-free and vegan option.
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What is a Linzer Cookie?
Linzer cookies are Austrian Christmas shortbread cookies inspired by the traditional Linzer torte, which can be traced back hundreds of years ago. It's a sandwich-style cookie, usually with a raspberry filling that shows through the window of the cut-out cookie on top. A little dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off, giving the festive feel of the holidays.
Many variations of the Linzer cookie can be found in the world! Some are made with nut flours, some are filled with chocolate or cut into various shapes. But, one thing remains the same — they are all fun and delicious! And this gluten-free vegan take is no exception!
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s easier than you think to make these beautiful cookies.
- They are super tasty! And easily customizable with your choice of filling.
- They look festive and fun. They are a real crowd-pleaser that make a great take-along to a holiday gathering.
- You would never guess that they are gluten-free, let alone so easily made vegan or dairy-free. They also offer a nut-free option, making them a great allergy friendly Linzer cookie choice.
Ingredient Notes
Gluten-free all purpose flour: Many different types of gluten-free flours will work well in this recipe, but my favorite is Namaste's Perfect Flour Blend. Traditionally, a mix of all purpose flour and almond meal are used in Linzer cookies.
Granulated sugar: Any kind of granulated sweetener can be used in these cookies. I like to use organic cane sugar or coconut sugar. If you are on a sugar-free diet, you can use a 1:1 sugar replacement.
Baking powder: This adds some rise to the cookies, as well as helps them crisp and turn golden.
Salt: A touch of salts always helps enhance both the flavors and sweetness in dessert recipes.
Cinnamon: A bit of ground cinnamon adds additional flavor and warmth to these gluten free shortbread cookies.
Melted butter: Linzer cookies traditionally have that buttery shortbread taste. You can use regular salted or unsalted butter, or plant-based butter for a vegan option.
Milk of choice: I love to use oat milk in these cookies, but you can use conventional dairy milk, almond milk, you name it!
Almond extract: Omit this for a nut-free option or replace with vanilla extract if you would like. This adds a unique and traditional flavor to these cookies.
Fruit jam or spread: Raspberry jam is the traditional Linzer cookie filling, but feel free to use any flavor you would like. Chia jam is another great option, too!
Powdered sugar: Traditional Linzer cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for that 'snowy' effect. You can omit, if need be, for a still-tasty cookie!
Cookie Cutters
To make traditional Linzer cookies, you can use Linzer cookie cutters. Otherwise, you can cut out whatever shapes you would like and simply sandwich them together. A hack to make traditional Linzer cookies without Linzer cookie cutters is to cut out round cookies using any circular cookie cutter (or even a cup!) and then use smaller cookie cutters (or even a knife) to cut shapes out in the center. Regardless of what cookie cutters you use to cut out your cookies with, they’ll still be delicious!
How to Make Gluten Free Linzer Cookies
In short, you will:
- Preheat the oven.
- Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Knead until you can form a smooth ball of cookie dough.
- Divide the dough into two.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out one portion of dough in-between sheets of parchment paper. Cut out the bottoms of the cookies.
- Roll out the second portion of dough. Cut out the tops of the cookies.
- Bake.
- Dust the cookie tops with powdered sugar.
- Place a dollop of jam on the cookie bottoms.
- Add the cookie tops over the jam to make a sandwich cookie.
- Enjoy!
Filling Variations
Raspberry jam is the most traditional filling, but any kind of fruit jam or spread will work. Strawberry and apricot make nice choices! You can also use a chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella or a different chocolate spread of choice, a fruit curd or even nut butter. Do what suits your tastes!
Frequently Asked Questions
To make Linzer cookies vegan, you will need to use a plant-based butter in place of traditional butter and plant-based milk for the milk choice.
These cookies keep well at room temperature for about 24 hours. Any longer, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Simply omit the almond extract or use vanilla extract instead.
More Delicious Gluten Free Cookie Recipes
The Best Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Cacao Nib Coconut Flour Cookies
Gluten Free Gingerbread Men Cookies
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Linzer Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups gluten-free all purpose flour blend I love Namaste Perfect Flour Blend
- 1 cup granulated sugar of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter melted (use plant-based for vegan option)
- 3/8 cup milk of choice use plant-based for vegan option
- 1 teaspoon almond extract omit for nut-free
- Fruit jam of choice I like to use raspberry
- Powdered sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, add the butter, milk and almond extract. Mix well.
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms and then knead the dough until you can form it into a smooth ball.
- Divide the dough into two parts. Roll the first portion out in-between two sheets of parchment paper until about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out the bottoms of the cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 11 minutes or until firm and edges are turning golden.
- Meanwhile, repeat the above by rolling out the second portion of dough and cutting out the tops of the cookies. Bake and cool all cookies before assembling. Optionally, sprinkle the top halves of the cookies with powdered sugar.
- To assemble, place one 1/2 teaspoon dollop of jam in the center of each bottom cookie. Gently place your top cookies over the jam dolloped ones.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment
Teodora Grujic says
Perfect! It's on my menu for this Christmas! Thanks!
sonia says
As an Italian I love cookies, I really like this recipe , I want to make it with my little girl!
Andrea says
These linzer cookies look fabulous! A must for the Holiday Season.
Gail Montero says
Hubby is into a gluten-free diet so this is the perfect cookie recipe for him! They look so pretty and festive for the holiday season!