Name: Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup (100g) salted roasted almonds; 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for rolling; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup (160g) cherry preserves (or other flavor); 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 1–2 Tablespoons whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or pure vanilla extract (or 1/4 teaspoon each)

There’s something undeniably charming about delicate, buttery cookies dusted with powdered sugar and bursting with vibrant cherry preserves. This Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe combines tender almond-speckled dough with a luscious cherry filling, making it an unforgettable treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

A white plate with a detailed edge holds a pile of tree-shaped cookies. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is light brown and the top layer is covered with smooth white icing. The top layer has a star-shaped cutout in the center showing the red jam inside. Scattered around the plate are whole frozen red berries. The plate is on a pale pink surface with a white marbled texture just visible around the edges. A small white bowl with whole almonds and another with red berries sit nearby, along with some metal cookie cutters, and a pink cloth is partially seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made my fair share of cookies, but there’s a special magic in these Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies. They’re not only delicious but also beautiful and surprisingly easy, perfect for gifting or savoring with afternoon tea.

Flavor boost: Roasted almonds add a toasty depth that complements the sweet cherry filling perfectly.
Texture delight: The tender crumb with a slight crisp at the edges keeps every bite interesting.
Make-ahead friendly: The dough can chill up to four days, or you can freeze it for months—great for planning ahead.
Customizable filling: While cherries steal the show here, you can swap in raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for variety.

The image shows several Christmas tree-shaped cookies on a metal cooling rack placed over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: a bottom golden brown layer and a top layer covered with smooth white icing. The top layer has a small star-shaped hole in the center, revealing a deep red jam filling. One cookie at the top of the image has a bite taken out of it, showing the inner texture and the jam more clearly. Crumbs are scattered around this cookie, adding to the cozy feel. The photo is bright with soft natural light highlighting the shiny icing and jam. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The balance of flavors and textures in this recipe comes from carefully chosen ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The almonds and almond extract bring out a rich nuttiness, while the cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering. Choosing quality cherry preserves makes all the difference in the filling.

Flat lay of roasted almonds with skins, a mound of all-purpose flour, a small heap of ground cinnamon, a few grains of coarse salt, a stick of unsalted butter with a pat sliced off, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a single large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl with almond extract, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red cherry preserves, a small white ceramic bowl of fine confectioners’ sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with whole milk, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted roasted almonds: Provide natural saltiness and a toasty crunch—don’t substitute with raw unless you add extra salt.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, measured carefully for perfect texture.
Baking powder: Adds gentle lift so cookies stay tender, not dense.
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint to enrich flavor without being overtly spicy.
Salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy creaming, it brings richness and tenderness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with cookie spread and crisp edges.
Egg: Binds dough and adds structure—bring to room temperature to avoid dough breaking.
Pure vanilla extract: Classic flavor enhancer that rounds out all the other tastes.
Almond extract: Boosts the nutty flavor, making the cookies unmistakably Linzer.
Cherry preserves: Choose a good-quality, smooth one or lightly pulse to remove chunks for easy spreading.
Confectioners’ sugar: For the sweet, slightly thick icing that seals the deal, soft but not runny.
Whole milk: Thins the icing just right—add slowly to get the perfect consistency.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often like to tweak this Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe based on the season or my mood. It’s a flexible base that invites personal touches, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Variation: One winter, I swapped the cherry preserves for spiced cranberry jam, which added a lovely tartness and made the cookies perfect for holiday gatherings.
Dietary tweak: Using gluten-free flour blends works surprisingly well here, though you might want to chill the dough a bit longer to handle it more easily.
Flavor switch: For almond lovers, doubling the almond extract gives an even richer aroma, while those who prefer subtlety might scale back to half a teaspoon.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Chop the Almonds to Perfect Texture

Start by pulsing the salted roasted almonds in your food processor until they’re finely chopped but not ground into flour. This subtle texture gives the dough lovely nutty bursts without losing its light crumb. Don't overdo it here—aim for small, coarse bits that add character.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Carefully

Whisk the chopped almonds into the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these first ensures even distribution of seasonings and leavening, which helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar for Silky Dough

Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes until fluffy and creamy. This step is crucial for light, tender cookies. When the mixture looks smooth and pale, add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts and beat another minute to incorporate.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

On low speed, add the dry almond-flour mixture to the wet ingredients. The dough will feel thick and crumbly – don’t worry, that’s exactly right. Scrape the bowl a few times to make sure everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Chill Dough for Best Rolling

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This chilling step firms up the fats, making the dough easier to roll and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Bake

After chilling, let one dough disc sit for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Flour your surface, rolling pin, and hands generously. Roll the dough roughly ¼ inch thick, then use 2- or 3-inch cookie cutters to cut shapes. For half the cookies, use a smaller (1-inch) cutter or anything handy—a straw works great—to cut a neat window in the center. Bake on parchment-lined sheets at 350°F (180°C) for 11–12 minutes until edges just start to brown.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing and Assemble

Whisk confectioners’ sugar with milk and extract until smooth and thick but spreadable. Dip the cookie tops into the icing and let excess drip off. Once the icing sets slightly, spread cherry preserves on the plain cookie bottoms and sandwich them together. Let the icing firm up for a couple of hours before stacking or gifting.

Top Tip

From my experience making Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies, a few simple tricks make all the difference between good and outstanding cookies. Here’s what I’ve learned after several batches:

Patience with chilling: Don’t rush the dough chill—it prevents spreading and cracking, making rolling a breeze.
Flour generously: Properly flour your workspace and tools. It prevents sticking and lets you roll out the dough evenly without tearing.
Use quality preserves: I prefer pulsing the cherry preserves briefly in a food processor if chunky, so the filling layers smoothly without lumps.
Handle dough gently: When assembling, be delicate—press sandwiches just enough to hold, avoiding squished icing or jam leaks.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Cherry Almond Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple — fresh powdered sugar dusting is classic and elegant. For festive occasions, a light sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds around the edges adds a stunning texture and nutty touch. A tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate can also elevate the look and flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cozy cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. In cooler months, I love enjoying them alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate. For brunch, serve them with fresh fruit and a cheese board to balance sweetness and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted these cookies layered on a rustic wooden tray, nestled in tissue paper with sprigs of fresh rosemary or dried cherry blossoms for a delicate touch. They also make stunning edible ornaments when tied with thin ribbon and placed in clear cello bags—perfect for holiday markets or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for two days, but I prefer storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week to maintain that fresh-just-baked texture. The cool helps keep the almond flavor vibrant and the cherry filling luscious.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temp before rolling. You can also freeze the assembled iced sandwich cookies, then thaw in the fridge before serving — they taste just as fresh!

Reheating

If you want to freshen up chilled cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to regain that just-baked warmth without drying them out. I avoid microwaving because it can make the cookies soft and sticky, spoiling the delicate texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use raw almonds instead of salted roasted ones?

You can absolutely use raw almonds, but since the recipe relies on the salted roasted variety to bring out a deeper flavor, add an extra pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness. Chopping raw almonds finely but not to almond flour consistency is key to maintaining the texture.

What if I don’t have a small cookie cutter for making the center hole?

No worries! You can use the end of a clean straw to press out a small round hole in the center of your top cookies. Alternatively, a small paring knife works well to carve out a neat shape—this can add a charming rustic feel, especially with shaped cookie cutters like stars or trees.

Can I skip the icing altogether?

Yes! If you prefer a more rustic look or want to simplify, dust the cooled top cookies generously with sifted confectioners’ sugar instead of icing. The cookies will still be lovely and the cherry filling will shine.

How long can these cookies be stored once assembled?

Assembled Linzer cookies will keep fresh at room temperature covered for about 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 1 week. Keeping them in an airtight container helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe remains one of my all-time favorites because it balances elegance with approachability. It’s the kind of recipe I love to pull out for special gatherings or quiet moments with coffee, knowing it’ll deliver flavor, texture, and smiles every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s like sharing a slice of my kitchen with you, one cherry-almond sandwich cookie at a time.