Irresistible Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Linzer Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Jam-Filled Perfection

These delightful gluten-free Linzer cookies are the quintessential sweet treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day, the festive holidays, or any special occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and deliciousness. Featuring two delicate layers of buttery cookies embracing a vibrant, sweet fruit jam filling, these cookies are not only visually stunning and incredibly tasty but also completely dairy-free, making them accessible to even more dessert lovers!

There’s something truly magical about Linzer cookies. Perhaps it’s their intricate design, the joyful peek of colorful jam through a delicate window, or the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookie itself. Whatever the reason, these Austrian classics have captivated hearts for centuries. This recipe brings that timeless charm into the modern kitchen, offering a version that is both gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring that everyone can indulge in these exquisite jam-filled sandwich cookies without compromise.

What Exactly are Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are a beloved type of traditional Austrian pastry, deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the city of Linz, Austria. They are inspired by the famous Linzer Torte, a rich, lattice-topped pastry filled with fruit preserves. Essentially, Linzer cookies are bite-sized versions of this classic, crafted as elegant sandwich-style cookies. Each cookie consists of two layers of tender, buttery shortbread-like dough, typically spiced with a hint of cinnamon or lemon zest, and generously filled with a layer of sweet fruit jam.

The characteristic feature of Linzer cookies is their distinctive “window.” The top cookie layer is traditionally cut with a smaller cookie cutter into a specific shape—often a circle, star, or heart—creating an opening that reveals the vibrant jam filling beneath. This not only makes them incredibly appealing to the eye but also provides a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. After assembly, these beautiful cookies are usually dusted generously with confectioner’s sugar, giving them a delicate, snow-kissed appearance, especially fitting for winter holidays like Christmas, but equally charming for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

Because of their striking appearance and delightful taste, Linzer cookies are guaranteed to be the star of any cookie platter or dessert spread. They also make fantastic edible gifts for friends, family, or loved ones, offering a homemade touch that is always appreciated. Our gluten-free and dairy-free adaptation ensures that this traditional treat can be enjoyed by all, without sacrificing any of the authentic flavor or delicate texture.

Why This Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Linzer Cookie Recipe is a Must-Try:

This particular Linzer cookie recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a favorite among those seeking delicious, yet accommodating, baked goods.

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items or specialist baking supplies. The core ingredients for these gluten-free Linzer cookies are readily available at your local grocery store. We focus on high-quality, everyday staples that combine to create something truly extraordinary. This means less stress in the kitchen and more time enjoying the baking process.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let their elegant appearance intimidate you! Preparing this cookie dough is a straightforward process, primarily involving the simple combination of wet and dry ingredients. Once the dough is mixed, it’s a matter of rolling it out, cutting it into the iconic shapes, and baking until golden. After a brief cooling period, the magic happens during assembly, as sweet raspberry jam is nestled between two delicate cookie halves. It’s a rewarding baking project suitable for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Completely Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: This is arguably the best aspect of our recipe! We’ve meticulously crafted these cookies to be 100% gluten-free and dairy-free. This means that individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or lactose intolerances can wholeheartedly enjoy these beautiful treats without any worries or discomfort. You get all the classic Linzer cookie flavor and texture, but with the added benefit of being suitable for specific dietary needs. No one has to miss out on the joy of these festive cookies!

Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies:

Creating these perfect gluten-free Linzer cookies begins with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s a visual overview to help you prepare your baking station.

(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please make sure to scroll down to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes & Smart Substitutions for Success:

Understanding your ingredients and their roles is key to successful baking. Here are some detailed notes and potential substitutions to help you perfect your gluten-free Linzer cookies:

• Dairy-Free Butter (or Regular Butter): I specifically used dairy-free butter to ensure this recipe is suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Look for a high-quality stick-style dairy-free butter for best results, as they mimic traditional butter very closely in baking. However, if dairy isn’t an issue for you, feel free to substitute with an equal amount of regular unsalted butter. The texture and richness will still be superb.
• Sugar Choices: My go-to is regular white granulated sugar for its clean sweetness and ability to produce a tender crumb. However, you can experiment with cane sugar or light brown sugar for slightly different flavor profiles – brown sugar will add a subtle caramel note and a bit more chewiness. For those managing blood sugar levels, granulated monk fruit sweetener is an excellent 1:1 sugar substitute with a zero glycemic index, ensuring a sweet treat without the sugar spike.
• Egg (Binder Extraordinaire): The single large egg in this recipe plays a crucial role as a binder, helping to emulsify the ingredients and provide structure to the dough. It contributes to the cookies’ tender texture and prevents them from being too crumbly, so don’t omit it!
• Vanilla Extract for Flavor: A good quality vanilla extract is essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the cookies. It adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the buttery dough and fruity jam beautifully. I highly recommend including it for the best taste.
• Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Flour: This is critical for gluten-free baking. I strongly advise using a high-quality gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend. Opt for blends primarily composed of lighter flours and starches like rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch. These lighter flours result in a delicate, crisp cookie. Avoid gluten-free flour blends that are heavy in bean flours (e.g., garbanzo bean flour), as they can impart an undesirable gritty texture or a bean-like aftertaste to delicate cookies like Linzers.
• Xanthan Gum (The Gluten Substitute): In gluten-free baking, xanthan gum acts as a vital replacement for gluten, providing elasticity and binding properties to the dough. It helps prevent the cookies from crumbling excessively. If your chosen gluten-free flour blend already lists xanthan gum (or guar gum) in its ingredients, you can omit the additional amount specified in the recipe. Always check your flour blend’s label!
• Baking Powder for Lift: Baking powder is the sole leavening agent in this recipe, responsible for giving the cookies a slight lift and a tender texture. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results. If you have Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, always verify that your baking powder is certified gluten-free.
• Ground Cinnamon (Optional Spice): A small pinch of ground cinnamon adds a wonderful warmth and depth of flavor that is traditional in many Linzer recipes. It beautifully complements the fruit jam. However, if cinnamon isn’t your preference, or you want the pure taste of butter and jam to shine, feel free to leave it out entirely.
• Jam Selection: While raspberry jam is traditionally used and offers a beautiful, vibrant red color, feel free to get creative with your jam choice! Strawberry jam or a mixed berry jam also work wonderfully for a classic red hue. For different flavors, consider apricot, plum, or even a citrusy marmalade for a unique twist. Ensure your jam is smooth or very finely chopped for easy spreading.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar): This fine, powdery sugar is used for dusting the finished cookies, giving them their iconic, elegant finish. It melts delicately on the tongue, adding to the luxurious feel. If you are managing sugar intake, powdered monk fruit sweetener is an excellent 1:1 substitute that provides the same powdery texture without the sugar.

How to Make Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies (Step by Step Guide):

Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect batch of gluten-free and dairy-free Linzer cookies. Precision and patience are your best friends here!

1. Cream Butter & Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened dairy-free butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter, which is crucial for a tender cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly combined.

2. Incorporate Egg & Vanilla Extract

Crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and cohesive. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just mix until combined.

3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, baking powder, xanthan gum (if your flour blend doesn’t include it), and ground cinnamon. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture in three separate additions, mixing on low speed after each addition. Mix until just combined and a homogeneous, soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.

4. Chill the Cookie Dough

Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly into a disc, and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial as it allows the gluten-free flours to fully hydrate, preventing a gritty texture, and firms up the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and prevents excessive spreading.

5. Roll Out Dough and Re-Chill

Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Place it between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out evenly to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch. Rolling between parchment prevents sticking and ensures an even surface. Once rolled, place the dough (still between the parchment sheets) into the freezer for 5-10 minutes. This quick re-chill will firm up the dough again, making it much easier to cut clean shapes without distorting them.

6. Preheat Your Oven

While the dough is chilling for the second time, preheat your oven to 170°C (350°F). A properly preheated oven is vital for even baking and prevents cookies from spreading too much.

7. Cut Out Your Cookie Shapes

Once the rolled dough is firm enough from the freezer, remove the top layer of parchment. Use a round or fluted cookie cutter (approximately 2-2.5 inches in diameter) to cut out an even number of full-round cookie bases. Then, take half of these round cookies and use a smaller cookie cutter (a heart, star, or small circle) to cut out the “window” from their centers. You should end up with an equal number of solid rounds and windowed tops. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper.

8. Bake Cookies to Perfection

Arrange the cut-out cookies on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. You want them just barely golden to maintain their tender texture.

9. Allow Cookies to Cool

Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before attempting to transfer them. Gluten-free cookies can be quite delicate when warm, and this cooling period allows them to firm up.

10. Assemble and Finish Your Linzer Masterpiece

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time for assembly. Take a solid round cookie base and spread a generous teaspoon of your chosen jam evenly over its surface, leaving a small border. If your jam is too thick, gently warm it in a microwave safe bowl for 10-15 seconds to make it more spreadable. Carefully place a windowed cookie on top of the jam-covered base, gently pressing down to create a beautiful sandwich cookie. For an extra touch of elegance, you can dust the top cookie layers with powdered sugar *before* assembling, or fill the cut-out holes with a little more jam after assembly for a bolder look. Allow the assembled cookies to sit for at least 15-30 minutes for the jam to set slightly before serving. This helps prevent them from sliding apart.

The final dusting of powdered sugar adds that iconic, elegant finish. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but store well for a few days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a delightful offering for any celebration!

Dish by Dish Tips & Expert Tricks for Perfect Linzer Cookies:

• Choosing Your Jam: While traditional raspberry jam (or raspberry preserves) offers that classic bright red color and tart-sweet balance, don’t limit yourself! Other fantastic options include strawberry jam, mixed berry jam for a deeper flavor, plum jam, apricot jam for a sunny golden hue, or even a tangy kumquat marmalade if you prefer a citrusy kick. Ensure your jam is smooth or has very small fruit pieces for easy spreading and a clean look through the window.
• Storage Best Practices: Once your delicious gluten-free Linzer cookies are fully cooled and the jam has had a chance to set, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and delightful texture for up to 3 days. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the jam from sticking to the cookies above.
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the disc of dough tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting. Alternatively, you can freeze the baked cookie halves (un-jammed) for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw, then fill with jam and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
• Preventing Spread: The double-chilling method (once for the dough, once after rolling) is key to preventing your cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature.
• Creative Shapes: While rounds and hearts are classic, feel free to use other festive cookie cutter shapes for the top window, like stars, bells, or flowers, especially for different holidays.

Discover More Delicious Gluten-Free Cookies:

If you loved these Linzer cookies, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other fantastic gluten-free cookie recipes. Perfect for every craving and occasion!

P.S. If you try this incredible recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please leave a star rating below and/or a thoughtful review in the comment section further down the page. Your feedback is always valued and helps others discover these delicious treats. Don’t forget to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the amazing recipes on the blog. You can also connect with me and find more culinary inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh, tasty recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week!

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Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies (Dairy-Free)

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 52 minutes
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  Yield: 16 cookies
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These gluten-free Linzer cookies are the perfect gift for Valentine’s day, the holidays, or any special occasion. With two layers of butter cookies filled with sweet jam, these are not only beautiful and delicious, but also dairy-free too!

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Ingredients

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• 3/4 cup dairy-free butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend
• 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already includes it)
• 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 6 ounces raspberry jam or other red fruit preserves
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Beat Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened dairy-free butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light, fluffy, and pale in color (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add Egg & Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, xanthan gum (if using), baking powder, and ground cinnamon (if using). Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in thirds, mixing well after each addition until a homogeneous, soft cookie dough forms.
4. Chill Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the flours to hydrate and the butter to firm up.
5. Roll Out Dough & Chill: Once chilled, unwrap the dough and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out evenly to a thickness of 1/8 inch (approximately 3 mm). Transfer the rolled dough (still between the parchment sheets) to the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up slightly, which will make cutting easier.
6. Preheat Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 170°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
7. Cut Dough: Remove the dough from the freezer and peel off the top parchment sheet. Using a 2-inch round or fluted cookie cutter, cut out an even number of cookies. For half of these, use a smaller heart-shaped (or other small shape) cookie cutter to create the “windows” in the center. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake Cookies Until Golden: Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
9. Cool Cookies: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Gluten-free cookies are delicate when warm.
10. Assemble Linzer Cookies: Once the cookies are entirely cool, take a solid round cookie and spread a teaspoon of raspberry jam (gently warmed if too thick) evenly over its surface. Carefully place a windowed cookie on top, gently pressing down to sandwich the jam. Optionally, dust the top cookie halves with powdered sugar *before* assembly for a cleaner look, or fill the window holes with a tiny bit more jam after assembly. Allow the cookies to set for at least 15-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Butter: I used dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free and accessible. If you don’t have lactose or dairy sensitivities, regular unsalted butter can be used as a 1:1 substitute. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming.

Sugar: Regular white granulated sugar provides a classic sweetness and texture. For variations, cane sugar or light brown sugar can also be used, with brown sugar adding a deeper flavor and slightly chewier cookie. Diabetics or those with insulin resistance can opt for granulated monk fruit sweetener, which is a fantastic 1:1, zero glycemic index sugar substitute.

Egg: The large egg is crucial for binding the ingredients and providing structure, contributing to the cookie’s tender crumb. Do not omit it.

Vanilla Extract: Adding a good quality vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie, giving it a comforting aroma and taste. It’s highly recommended.

Gluten-Free Flour: For the best results with these delicate cookies, I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend. Look for blends that primarily contain lighter flours/starches like rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch, as these yield a finer, less gritty texture. Avoid blends heavy in bean flours.

Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is vital in gluten-free baking to mimic the elasticity and binding properties of gluten. If your chosen gluten-free flour blend already lists xanthan gum (or guar gum) in its ingredients, you can omit the extra amount specified in the recipe to prevent a gummy texture.

Baking Powder: As the sole leavening agent, gluten-free baking powder helps the cookies achieve a slight lift and a tender crumb. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal activity.

Ground Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon adds a traditional warmth and depth of flavor. It’s optional, so feel free to exclude it if you prefer a simpler, buttery cookie base.

Jam: Raspberry jam is a classic choice, offering a beautiful color and a delightful sweet-tart balance. However, feel free to use other red-colored jams like strawberry or mixed berry, or even explore different flavors like apricot or plum for a unique twist.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) creates the traditional snow-dusted finish. For a sugar-free alternative, powdered monk fruit sweetener works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute.

Storing: Once completely cooled and assembled, store your gluten-free Linzer cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Chilling & Assembly Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Category: Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western