Raspberry Linzer Cookies: Irresistibly Delicious Gluten-Free Treats

Name: Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Austrian
Ingredients: 1 cup butter or dairy-free butter (room temperature); ⅔ cup sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups gluten free all purpose flour with xanthan gum (we used GFJules); 1 cup finely chopped almonds; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup raspberry jam or jam of choice; ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting

There’s something irresistibly charming about a cookie that’s both delicate and full of flavor — that’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe. The tender almond shortbread hugging a luscious raspberry jam center just makes for magic in every bite.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a round cookie dusted with white powdered sugar, with a small heart-shaped window filled with shiny red berry jam in the center. On a white plate with a white marbled background, there are several more cookies stacked, each featuring the same heart-shaped jam window and powdered sugar dusting. A small black container on the plate holds several fresh red raspberries, adding a pop of color to the arrangement. The cookie's surface looks soft and slightly rough, and the jam has a thick, glossy texture. 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 Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe is a game-changer, especially if you’re navigating the gluten-free world but don’t want to miss out on classic treats. I adore how the almond flour adds a rich depth that pairs beautifully with that tart berry filling.

Beautifully Gluten-Free: Designed to be 100% gluten-free without skimping on texture or flavor.
Perfectly Almondy: The finely chopped almonds add a lovely crunch and nutty aroma.
Simple to Make: Even with the fancy look, the recipe is straightforward — perfect if you’re baking with kids or need a reliable holiday fave.
Customizable Filling: Swap raspberry jam out for whatever you love — apricot, strawberry, or even marmalade — and watch it become your signature cookie.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is crucial here, especially because gluten-free baking can be tricky. I've found this combo creates that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture with just the right nutty richness and a burst of fruity jam.

Flat lay of a small mound of pale yellow butter, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with granulated white sugar, a small white bowl holding translucent golden vanilla extract, a neat heap of fine gluten-free all-purpose flour with a powdery texture, a small pile of finely chopped light brown almonds, a small white bowl containing fine white baking powder, a small white bowl with fine crystalline salt, a small white bowl with warm brown cinnamon powder, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red raspberry jam, a small white bowl with fine white powdered sugar for dusting, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface 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

Butter or dairy-free butter: Using room temperature butter gives the dough its buttery richness and helps achieve that tender crumb.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the jam without overpowering the almonds.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture—room temperature helps everything mix more smoothly.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and boosts the flavor depth.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum: This keeps the dough elastic, mimicking the role of gluten, so you get the right structure.
Finely chopped almonds: Adds texture and that classic nutty flavor Linzer cookies are known for.
Baking powder: Gives just a hint of lift so the cookies aren’t too dense.
Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon: A subtle warmth that brings the berry and almond notes to life.
Raspberry jam: The star of the sandwich filling—sweet and tart for the perfect contrast.
Powdered sugar: For a light dusting that finishes the look and adds a touch of extra sweetness.

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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 like to switch up the jam depending on the season — a homemade apricot preserves in summer, or a tart cherry jam around the holidays. Sometimes I add a pinch of cardamom instead of cinnamon, just for something different. Don't be shy about making it your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped out the raspberry jam for lemon curd and it was a delightful twist — tangy and sweet, making each bite fresh and bright.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

The image shows twenty round sandwich cookies arranged in five rows and four columns on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is pale golden with a slight texture, and the top layer is dusted with white powdered sugar. The top layer has a heart-shaped cutout in the center, revealing a glossy dark red jam filling inside. Powdered sugar is slightly scattered around the cookies on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the room temperature butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes with a mixer. It’s key to getting that tender crumb, so don’t rush it! If your butter is too cold, mixing will be tough and your cookies won't be as tender.

Step 2: Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This step helps create that rich flavor base for the dough.

Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and finely chopped almonds. This even distribution is important for consistent texture. Then gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently until combined. Don’t overmix — the dough should come together without being tough.

Step 4: Chilling the Dough

This part is crucial for shape and texture. Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better. Cold dough is easier to roll and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 5: Rolling and Cutting the Cookies

When your dough is chilled, roll it out between two sheets of parchment to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a small round cutter (about 2 inches) for the bottom cookies, and a smaller cutter or a shape cutter for the tops to create the little window. I like to work quickly to keep the dough cold through this step.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

Bake your cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want the edges to be just turning golden, but the centers still soft. Let them cool completely before assembling.

Step 7: Assembling Your Linzers

Spread about a teaspoon of raspberry jam on the flat side of each whole cookie, then gently press a cookie with the cut-out top on it. Dust with powdered sugar for that classic Linzer look — it’s all about the pretty presentation here!

Top Tip

From numerous batches, these little tips have saved me time and tears in the kitchen, and I bet they’ll help you too.

Chill Twice: I find chilling the dough both before rolling and again after cutting keeps the shapes sharp and helps the cookies hold form.
Almond Texture: Use finely chopped almonds rather than almond flour for a little bite and texture contrast.
Jam Consistency: Choose a jam that's not too runny to avoid soggy cookies; if your jam is liquidy, simmer it a bit to thicken before using.
Powdered Sugar Last: Wait to dust the powdered sugar right before serving so it doesn't melt into the jam and lose that fresh look.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe

raspberry linzer cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar right before serving for that snowy effect. Sometimes I add a few whole toasted almonds on the side of the platter — it pairs nicely and reinforces the nutty vibe.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. For holiday gatherings, I sometimes serve them with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and fresh fruit — it balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day, I shaped the cookie tops into little hearts instead of rounds — it was such a hit! You could also sandwich with different colored jams and arrange them in a pretty tin or on a festive cookie platter for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature. I keep mine stacked with parchment sheets in between to prevent sticking, and they stay fresh for up to a week — if they last that long!

Freezing

I freeze unassembled cookies separately, then jam and sandwich them after thawing. This way, your cookies keep their perfect texture and don’t get soggy. Frozen dough can also be rolled and cut later, which is a real time saver.

Reheating

If you want to freshen them up, a few seconds in a warm oven (about 300°F) on a baking sheet will revive the cookie’s texture nicely — just watch that powdered sugar so it doesn’t melt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use almond flour instead of chopped almonds?

You can, but finely chopped almonds give a bit more texture and a subtle crunch that almond flour lacks. If using almond flour, your cookies might be slightly softer and less textured. Either way, they'll taste delicious!

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Absolutely! Using a dairy-free butter substitute works perfectly. Just make sure your chosen brand behaves like regular butter (not too watery) to get the best cookie texture.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing unassembled cookie dough or baked cookies is your best bet.

Can I use different jams besides raspberry?

Definitely! Apricot, strawberry, cherry, or even marmalade make excellent alternatives and bring their own unique flavors to the cookie without changing the texture or baking process.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite go-tos for sharing love and sweetness with friends and family. It’s a little nostalgic, a little indulgent, and perfectly suited for anyone wanting a gluten-free treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor or fun. I hope you feel as proud and delighted baking these as I do — be ready for compliments and requests for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way