Perfect Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies - Holiday Dessert Recipe

Picture this: buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies sandwiched with jewel-toned jam, dusted with powdered sugar like fresh fallen snow. These Thanksgiving linzer cookies are the perfect blend of elegance and comfort for your holiday spread.

Did you know that linzer cookies originated in Linz, Austria, making them one of the oldest cookie recipes in the world? They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just 30 minutes of active prep time and basic pantry ingredients.

Much like our popular Pumpkin Spice Shortbread Cookies, these beauties deliver impressive results without complicated techniques, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking to add something special to their Thanksgiving dessert table.

What Are Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies?

Ever wonder why these delicate sandwich cookies steal the show at every holiday gathering? Thanksgiving linzer cookies are traditional Austrian sandwich cookies with a festive American twist—think warm spices, cranberry or pumpkin butter filling, and adorable cut-out shapes that reveal the jewel-toned jam beneath.

They say the way to a guest’s heart is through their stomach, and these beauties prove it every time! With their delicate texture and stunning presentation, they look like they came from a fancy bakery but are actually beginner-friendly. Ready to impress your guests with minimal effort?

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies Recipe

Stunning Visual Appeal That Tastes Even Better

These thanksgiving linzer cookies are showstoppers that combine buttery almond-scented dough with your choice of festive fillings. The delicate cutouts reveal gorgeous jam colors—deep crimson cranberry, golden apricot, or rich pumpkin butter—creating an Instagram-worthy treat that tastes as incredible as it looks. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp, tender cookie and sweet-tart filling that melts on your tongue.

Budget-Friendly Holiday Baking

Skip the expensive bakery prices! Making thanksgiving linzer cookies at home costs a fraction of store-bought gourmet cookies. With simple ingredients like butter, flour, ground almonds, and your favorite jam, you can create dozens of impressive cookies for under $10. Plus, you probably have most ingredients in your pantry already, making this an economical choice for holiday entertaining.

Customizable Flavors for Every Preference

The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility. Add cinnamon and nutmeg for classic fall warmth, swap in hazelnut flour for a different nutty profile, or use cranberry, raspberry, or apple butter for various flavor combinations. Similar to our Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies, these thanksgiving linzer cookies welcome creative adaptations while maintaining their classic charm. Try making a batch this weekend—your family will be requesting them year-round!

How to Make Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies

Quick Overview

These thanksgiving linzer cookies deliver bakery-quality results with straightforward techniques anyone can master. The nutty, spiced dough is tender yet sturdy enough to hold its shape beautifully, while the jam filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness. The signature cutout design isn’t just pretty—it gives you a preview of the delicious filling inside.

Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Key Ingredients for Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon orange zest (optional but recommended)

For Assembly:

¾ cup cranberry, raspberry, or apricot jam
½ cup powdered sugar for dusting

Special Equipment:

2-3 inch round cookie cutter
Small leaf, acorn, or pumpkin-shaped cutters (1-inch)
Rolling pin
Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside. The almond flour adds a delicate nutty flavor and tender texture that makes these cookies special. Make sure your almond flour is finely ground for the smoothest dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should be pale and increase in volume. This step is crucial for creating tender cookies with the perfect texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest (if using) until fully incorporated. The almond extract enhances the nutty flavor while the orange zest adds a subtle brightness that complements the jam filling beautifully. Mix just until combined—about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky ball. If it seems too sticky to handle, that’s normal—chilling will firm it up.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disk about 1-inch thick. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling is essential—it prevents the cookies from spreading during baking and makes the dough much easier to roll and cut. For quicker chilling, place the wrapped dough in the freezer for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove one dough disk from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to make rolling easier. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use your round cookie cutter to cut out circles. For half of the circles, use a smaller cutter to create cutouts in the center—these will be your top cookies. Gather scraps, re-roll once, and cut more cookies.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place cookies on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. The centers should look set but not browned. Cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Once all cookies are completely cool, dust the cutout cookies (tops) generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Spread about 1-2 teaspoons of jam on each solid cookie (bottom), leaving a small border around the edges. The jam will spread when you press the cookies together. Gently place a powdered sugar-dusted top cookie over each jam-covered bottom, pressing very lightly to adhere.

Step 9: Final Touches

Allow the assembled cookies to set for about 30 minutes before serving so the jam settles and the cookies hold together better. For extra elegance, you can add a tiny bit more powdered sugar after assembly or warm the jam slightly before spreading for easier application.

What to Serve Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies With

These thanksgiving linzer cookies pair beautifully with a variety of holiday beverages and desserts.

Dessert Platters: Arrange them on a dessert table with pumpkin cheesecake bars, pecan tarts, and chocolate truffles for a stunning variety.

Afternoon Tea: These elegant cookies are ideal for a Thanksgiving afternoon tea service with Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea.

Ice Cream Pairing: Crumble a cookie over vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies

Tip 1: Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, resulting in dense cookies instead of tender, delicate ones. Leave butter out for 45-60 minutes before baking.

Tip 2: Don’t Skip the Chilling Step

Chilled dough is easier to roll, cuts more cleanly, and holds its shape during baking. If your dough becomes too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This prevents spreading and ensures beautiful, crisp edges.

Tip 3: Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. Scooping packs the flour, leading to dry, crumbly cookies. Alternatively, use a kitchen scale—2 cups flour equals 240 grams.

Tip 4: Choose the Right Jam

Use high-quality jam or preserves with good fruit content. Seedless varieties work best for smooth spreading. If your jam is chunky, process it briefly in a food processor for easier application. Avoid jelly, which can be too thin and soak into the cookies.

Tip 5: Work in Batches

Keep half the dough refrigerated while working with the other half. This prevents the dough from becoming too soft to handle. If cutting cookies in a warm kitchen, chill the cut shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.

Tip 6: Make Substitutions Wisely

No almond flour? Grind whole almonds in a food processor until fine, or substitute all-purpose flour (though you’ll lose some flavor depth). For nut-free cookies, replace almond flour with additional all-purpose flour and add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

Tip 7: Prevent Powdered Sugar Clumping

Dust cookies with powdered sugar just before serving if storing them. Moisture from the jam can cause sugar to dissolve over time. For make-ahead cookies, store assembled cookies without sugar and dust right before serving.

Tip 8: Test Your Oven Temperature

Oven temperatures can vary significantly. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. If cookies brown too quickly, reduce temperature by 25°F. Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even baking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature Storage:

Store thanksgiving linzer cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days. Keep them away from humid areas, as moisture can make them soggy.

Refrigerator Storage:

For longer storage, refrigerate assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The jam filling stays fresh longer when chilled. Bring cookies to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing Unbaked Dough:

Freeze wrapped dough disks for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting. This is perfect for holiday prep—make the dough weeks ahead and bake fresh cookies when needed.

Freezing Baked Cookies:

Freeze unfilled, baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw completely, then assemble with fresh jam and powdered sugar. This method preserves the cookie’s crisp texture better than freezing assembled cookies.

Freezing Assembled Cookies:

While not ideal, you can freeze assembled cookies for up to 1 month. Place them in a rigid container with parchment between layers to prevent crushing. The texture may be slightly softer after thawing, and you’ll need to re-dust with powdered sugar.

Reheating Notes:

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and don’t require reheating. If cookies become slightly soft, place unfilled cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to re-crisp them, then cool completely before assembling.

Avoiding Common Baking Mistakes for Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies

Mistake 1: Dough Too Soft to Roll

If your dough is sticky and won’t hold its shape, you haven’t chilled it long enough or your kitchen is too warm. Always chill for the full 2 hours minimum. Work quickly when rolling, and if the dough becomes soft, return it to the fridge immediately.

Mistake 2: Cookies Spreading During Baking

This happens when butter is too warm or dough isn’t chilled properly. Chill cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. Also ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking.

Mistake 3: Dry, Crumbly Dough

Usually caused by too much flour or overbaking. Measure flour by spooning and leveling, never packing. If your dough seems dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it comes together.

Mistake 4: Cookies Breaking When Assembling

This happens when cookies are still warm or too thin. Always let cookies cool completely—warm cookies are fragile. Roll dough to a full ⅛-inch thickness for sturdy cookies that won’t crack during assembly.

Mistake 5: Jam Seeping Out

Using too much jam or spreading it too close to the edges causes this. Use 1-2 teaspoons maximum per cookie and leave a ¼-inch border. If jam is very thin, simmer it for 5 minutes to thicken before using.

Mistake 6: Uneven Baking

Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking time and bake one sheet at a time on the center rack for most even results. Use parchment paper, not greased pans, to prevent over-browning on the bottom.

Mistake 7: Powdered Sugar Disappearing

The moisture from jam causes powdered sugar to dissolve over time. Dust cookies right before serving, or store cutout tops separately and dust just before assembling.

Mistake 8: Cutouts Not Releasing Cleanly

Dip your cookie cutter in flour before each cut. If dough sticks, place the rolled dough in the freezer for 5 minutes to firm up. Use a small offset spatula to transfer delicate cutout cookies to the baking sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make thanksgiving linzer cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cookies up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Assemble with jam and powdered sugar the day you plan to serve them for the freshest presentation. The dough can also be made and frozen up to 3 months ahead.

What’s the best jam to use for linzer cookies?

Seedless raspberry jam is traditional and pairs beautifully with the almond flavor. For Thanksgiving, cranberry, apricot, or fig jam adds festive flair. Choose preserves with high fruit content (at least 60%) for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make these cookies without almond flour?

Yes! Replace almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though you’ll lose the distinctive nutty flavor. Alternatively, try finely ground hazelnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. Add an extra ½ teaspoon of almond extract to boost the flavor.

Why did my cookies spread during baking?

Cookie spreading usually indicates warm dough or butter. Ensure dough is thoroughly chilled before rolling and cutting. If your kitchen is warm, chill cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking. Also check that your oven temperature is accurate.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the rolling pin?

Lightly flour both your work surface and rolling pin. You can also roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper for a mess-free method that prevents sticking. If dough becomes sticky while rolling, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes.

Can I use cookie cutters other than circles?

Definitely! Use any 2-3 inch cookie cutter shape—hearts, stars, squares, or holiday shapes like leaves and acorns. Just ensure your small cutout cutter fits proportionally within the larger shape, leaving enough border for structural integrity.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

Simply use an additional ½ teaspoon vanilla extract instead. The cookies will still be delicious, just with a different flavor profile. You could also try hazelnut extract or maple extract for a unique twist.

How long do assembled linzer cookies stay fresh?

Assembled cookies stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. The cookies may soften slightly as the jam releases moisture, but they’ll still taste delicious. For longer storage, keep unbaked dough or baked unfilled cookies in the freezer.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The almond flour already in the recipe helps create a tender texture. You may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of gluten-free flour if the dough seems too soft.

Do I need to use both almond flour and almond extract?

While not required, using both creates the signature nutty linzer flavor. However, you can make the recipe with just one if needed. The almond flour affects texture while the extract affects flavor, so they serve different purposes.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie (1 assembled cookie)
Calories	145
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	35mg
Total Carbohydrates	17g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	9g
Protein	2g
Vitamin A	4% DV
Calcium	2% DV
Iron	4% DV

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and based on one assembled cookie from a batch of 24. Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Creative Variations for Thanksgiving Linzer Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Version: Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dough and use pumpkin butter as filling for an ultra-festive treat.

Chocolate Hazelnut Twist: Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder and use hazelnut flour instead of almond. Fill with Nutella or chocolate ganache.

Maple Pecan Cookies: Substitute pecans for almonds, add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the dough, and brush tops with maple glaze instead of powdered sugar.

Citrus-Infused Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons lemon or orange zest to the dough and use orange marmalade or lemon curd as filling.

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies: Add 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon cloves to the dough for a spiced cookie perfect for the holidays.

These thanksgiving linzer cookies are guaranteed to become a beloved holiday tradition in your home. With their delicate texture, beautiful presentation, and customizable flavors, they offer something special for everyone at your Thanksgiving table.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe guides you through every step to create bakery-quality cookies that look as stunning as they taste. Start a new tradition this year—your family will thank you for generations to come!