Linzer Stars are a festive holiday cookie inspired by the classic Austrian Linzer Torte. These buttery, nutty cookies are filled with sweet raspberry jam and cut into beautiful star shapes that sparkle with a dusting of powdered sugar. They look impressive but are simple enough to make at home — perfect for gifting or serving at Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg yolk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup finely ground almonds or hazelnuts
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Chill time: 30 minutes
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Bake time: 10–12 minutes
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Total time: About 1 hour
Serving
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Makes about 24 sandwich cookies
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. -
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until the dough comes together. -
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. -
Cut the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick. Cut out star shapes with a cookie cutter. Cut a smaller star from the center of half of the cookies — these will be the tops. -
Bake:
Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges. Cool completely on wire racks. -
Assemble:
Spread a small spoonful of jam on the flat side of each bottom cookie. Place the top cookie (with the cut-out star) over it and press gently to sandwich together. -
Finish:
Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition (per cookie)
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Calories: 130
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Protein: 2g
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Sugar: 6g
Tips
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For a more traditional flavor, use raspberry jam with seeds.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
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You can make the dough ahead and freeze it for up to 2 months.
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Try different jams like apricot, cherry, or cranberry for variety.
Golden, buttery, and delicately sweet, Linzer Stars are a charming holiday treat that brings a touch of European tradition to your cookie tray.
