Austrian jam cookies, often inspired by traditional Linzer-style pastries, are a beloved classic that brings elegance and comfort to any dessert table. With their tender, buttery texture and sweet fruit filling, these cookies capture the heart of Austrian baking traditions in every bite. They are especially popular during holidays, but they are just as wonderful to enjoy year round with a cup of tea or coffee.
The dough is usually made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, sometimes enriched with ground almonds or hazelnuts for extra depth. This nutty note gives Austrian jam cookies their signature richness and delicate crumb. After chilling, the dough is rolled out and cut into beautiful shapes, often with a small window in the center of the top cookie. Once baked, the cookies are filled with vibrant jam, commonly strawberry jam, apricot, or red currant, then gently pressed together to form their iconic sandwich look.
What makes these cookies truly special is the balance of flavors and textures. The soft, buttery layers melt in your mouth, while the jam adds a bright, fruity contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top gives them a festive, elegant finish and makes them look like they came straight from a European bakery.
Austrian jam cookies are perfect for sharing. They look stunning on a dessert platter and are ideal for gifting in decorative boxes or tins. Their refined appearance makes them suitable for celebrations, tea parties, or cozy family gatherings. Despite their delicate look, they are surprisingly easy to prepare, which makes them a favorite for both beginner and experienced bakers.
These cookies also invite creativity. You can experiment with different jams, add a hint of lemon zest to the dough, or use heart, star, or flower shapes to match the season. Each small change gives the cookies a new personality while keeping their traditional charm.
Austrian jam cookies are more than just a sweet treat. They represent warmth, tradition, and the joy of slow baking. Whether you make them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, they always bring a touch of European elegance and homemade love to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out cookies with a round cookie cutter. Use a smaller cutter to cut out the centers of half the cookies.
- Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely.
- Spread raspberry jam on the whole cookie bases, then place the cut-out cookies on top, pressing down gently to create a sandwich.
- Dust the top of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
