Delicate buttery almond cookies sandwiched together with jewel-toned jam and dusted with powdered sugar. Few cookies are as elegant—or as steeped in history—as the Linzer Cookie.

With their signature cutout centers revealing vibrant fruit preserves underneath, Linzer Cookies look like something straight from an Austrian bakery window. Yet despite their sophisticated appearance, they're surprisingly simple to make at home.

Today we're bringing this classic Austrian favorite into the gluten-free kitchen with a recipe that's every bit as tender, nutty, and beautiful as the original.

Whether you're celebrating the World Cup, baking for the holidays, or simply exploring desserts from around the globe, these Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite.

What Are Linzer Cookies?

Linzer Cookies are sandwich cookies made from a rich, buttery dough flavored with ground almonds or hazelnuts and filled with fruit preserves.

The top cookie traditionally features a decorative cutout that allows the filling to peek through. This design earned them the Austrian nickname Linzer Augen, which translates to "Linzer Eyes."

While many Americans associate Linzer Cookies with Christmas cookie trays, they're enjoyed year-round throughout Austria, Germany, and Central Europe.

The Fascinating History of Linzer Cookies

The Linzer Cookie traces its roots to the famous Linzer Torte, a fruit-filled pastry named after the city of Linz, Austria. Many historians consider the Linzer Torte to be the oldest known cake recipe in the world, with documented recipes dating back to 1653.

The original Linzer Torte featured a buttery pastry dough made with ground nuts and spices, filled with red currant preserves and topped with a decorative lattice crust. Over time, bakers transformed the beloved dessert into smaller sandwich cookies that were easier to serve and gift.

Today, Linzer Cookies remain one of Austria's most recognizable baked treats and are especially popular during holiday celebrations.

Traditional Linzer Cookie Variations

Although raspberry-filled Linzer Cookies are most common in the United States, Austrian bakers enjoy several traditional fillings:

• Red currant preserves (the most traditional)

• Raspberry jam

• Apricot preserves

• Blackberry preserves

• Hazelnut Linzer Cookies

• Almond Linzer Cookies

• Chocolate-filled Linzer Cookies

Historically, red currant preserves were the filling of choice in Austria, while raspberry became increasingly popular in North America.

Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Makes

Approximately 24 sandwich cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 cups (240g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

• 1 cup (100g) almond flour

• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (if not included in your flour blend)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened

• ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Filling

Choose one:

• Traditional Red Currant Jelly

• Raspberry Jam

For Finishing

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Recommended Tools & Ingredients

For authentic bakery-style Linzer Cookies, I highly recommend:

Traditional Linzer Cookie Cutters

R&M International Traditional Linzer Cookie Cutters

https://amzn.to/3RVha5B

These create the classic Austrian "window" design that makes Linzer Cookies instantly recognizable.

Traditional Austrian Filling

Mrs. Miller's Amish Made Red Currant Jelly

https://amzn.to/4axUbno

Red currant preserves are considered the most authentic filling for traditional Austrian Linzer Cookies.

Popular American Favorite

Raspberry Jam Spread

https://amzn.to/4ujh84U

If you're baking for American tastes, raspberry tends to be the crowd favorite.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Whisk together: Gluten-free flour, Almond flour, Baking powder, Cinnamon, Salt, Xanthan gum

Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add: Egg, Vanilla, Lemon zest, Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Chill

Divide dough into two disks.

Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

This step is essential for easy rolling.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Roll dough between sheets of parchment paper to approximately ⅛-inch thickness.

Cut half of the cookies as solid rounds.

Cut the remaining cookies using the Linzer cutter's decorative center insert.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes.

The cookies should remain lightly golden around the edges.

Cool completely.

Step 7: Fill

Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of jam onto each solid cookie.

Top with a cutout cookie.

Step 8: Finish

Dust generously with powdered sugar.

Allow cookies to rest for 30 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Use Almond Flour

Traditional Linzer dough relies heavily on ground nuts. Almond flour helps recreate the authentic Austrian texture while keeping the cookies tender.

Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Almond Flour- https://amzn.to/3Qa5vPR

Chill Thoroughly

A chilled dough makes it much easier to cut clean shapes and prevents spreading.

Choose Quality Preserves

The filling is one of the stars of the recipe.

Traditional Austrian bakers often prefer red currant preserves, while raspberry provides a sweeter, fruitier flavor profile.

Let Them Mature

Like many European cookies, Linzer Cookies often taste even better the next day as the jam softens the cookie layers.

From the historic city of Linz to modern bakeries around the world, Linzer Cookies have delighted generations of bakers and dessert lovers. With their buttery almond cookie layers and vibrant fruit filling, they're proof that some recipes truly stand the test of time.

One bite and you'll understand why Austria's most famous cookie has remained beloved for centuries.