Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies – A Show-Stopping Holiday Classic Made Better

Last updated on August 18th, 2025

Let’s talk about these gorgeous Linzer cookies. You know the ones – those elegant sandwich cookies with the peek-a-boo centers that make everyone gasp when you bring them to a party. And yes, they might look like they came from a fancy European bakery, but I promise you can make them right in your own kitchen, even if you’re gluten-free!

I’ll be honest – the first time I attempted these, I was a bit nervous. All those delicate cut-outs and the rolling of dough… it seemed pretty intimidating. But after perfecting this recipe through countless batches, I can tell you that while they take a bit of time, they’re absolutely worth every minute.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

The cookies themselves are delicately crisp yet tender, with a wonderful nutty complexity that comes from ground hazelnuts (though almonds work beautifully too). When sandwiched with ruby-red raspberry jam, they transform into something truly special – the kind of cookies that make people ask, “Where did you buy these?”

But here’s our little secret: they’re actually better than store-bought because they’re fresh, made with high-quality ingredients, and filled with exactly the right amount of jam.

Plus, being gluten-free means everyone at your table can enjoy them!

Kitchen Secrets

Before we dive into the recipe, let me share a few game-changing tips I’ve learned:

• First, don’t skip chilling the dough. I know it’s tempting to rush this step, but cold dough is much easier to work with and helps the cookies hold their shape better.
• Second, rolling the dough between parchment paper is non-negotiable. It prevents sticking without adding extra flour, which can make gluten-free cookies tough.
• Lastly, don’t go too thick or too thin with the dough – aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. Too thin, and they’ll break; too thick, and they’ll lose their delicate charm.

The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup ground hazelnuts (or almonds)
• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca starch
• 1/2 cup potato starch
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

For Assembly

• 1 cup raspberry jam (seedless works best)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Optional: chocolate hazelnut spread for variation

How to Make

1. Prep the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground nuts, rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, xanthan gum, and salt until well combined.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and extracts, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Chill Time: Divide the dough in half and roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/8 inch thickness. Stack the rolled dough (still in parchment) on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Cut and Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
   • Remove one sheet of dough from the refrigerator
   • Cut with a 2.5-inch Linzer cookie cutter
   • Cut centers from half of the cookies with a smaller shape
   • Place on lined baking sheets
   • Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden
   • Cool completely on wire racks
5. Assembly:
   • Dust the cut-out tops with powdered sugar
   • Spread about 1 teaspoon jam on each solid cookie bottom
   • Gently sandwich together
   • Let set for 30 minutes before serving

Tips

• You can make the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep it chilled, or freeze the cutout cookies for up to 3 months.
• Once assembled, the cookies keep well in an airtight container for about 5 days, though they’re best within the first 3 days.

Gorgeous and Delicious

Put on your favorite playlist, clear your kitchen counter, and enjoy the process. The “oohs” and “aahs” you’ll get when you present these beautiful cookies make it all worthwhile. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something this gorgeous in your own kitchen.

Remember, whether you’re making these for a holiday cookie plate, a special gift, or just because you deserve something extraordinary, these gluten-free Linzer cookies are sure to become a new favorite.

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