Sourdough Linzer Cookies: Perfect Holiday Treat

---

Transform your sourdough discard into elegant holiday cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These tender shortbread sandwich cookies, featuring a jewel-toned jam center and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, are perfect for gifting or enjoying with afternoon tea.

This post may contain affiliate links for products and ingredients I use and recommend. For more information, see my affiliate disclosures.

Why You’ll Love Sourdough Linzer Cookies

Sourdough linzer cookies are a festive twist on the traditional Austrian treat. These delicate, buttery sandwich cookies have a bright fruit jam filling and a subtle tang from the sourdough discard. Perfect for using up your starter, these cookies are great for cookie boxes, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of tea.

What Makes Sourdough Linzer Cookies Special?

cookies take inspiration from the classic Austrian Linzer Torte. They feature:

A Nutty Shortbread Base: Made with almond flour for melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Jewel-Toned Jam Centers: Raspberry or apricot jam traditionally, but feel free to experiment.

A Subtle Sourdough Tang: Adds complexity and depth of flavor.

Key Tips for Perfect Sourdough Linzer Cookies

• 1. Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. This ensures easier handling, prevents spreading, and enhances the flavors of your cookies.

• 2. Baking Time

Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers remain pale.

• 3. Use High-Quality Ingredients

Fresh almond flour and a thick, high-quality jam (like Bonne Maman) make all the difference.

• 4. Roll Evenly

Keep your dough consistently thick for evenly baked cookies.

• 5. Dust Smartly

Sprinkle powdered sugar on the top cookies before assembling to keep the jam vibrant and sugar fresh.

Essential Tools for Sourdough Linzer Cookies

You don’t need fancy equipment, but these tools will help you make the best cookies:

Baking Scale: Precise measurements matter for consistent results.

Linzer Cookie Cutters: For that classic look with cut-out centers.

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For easy creaming of butter and sugar.

Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients for Sourdough Linzer Cookies

Dry Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: 300g (2½ cups) for tender cookies.

Almond Flour: 150g (1⅓ cups) for richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance flavor.

Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon for a hint of warmth.

Wet Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: 340g (3 sticks), softened for a creamy base.

Granulated Sugar: 200g (1 cup) for balanced sweetness.

Egg Yolk: 1 large for richness.

Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for aroma.

Sourdough Discard: 100g (½ cup) for that signature tang.

Finishing Touches

Powdered Sugar: For that festive snowy look.

Jam: Raspberry or apricot for traditional sourdough linzer cookies.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. Room Temperature

Store assembled sourdough linzer cookies in an airtight container for up to five days.

2. Freezing Dough

Freeze unbaked dough for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.

3. Freezing Assembled Cookies

Not recommended, as jam may leak upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Halve the Recipe?

Yes! Whisk one egg yolk and use half. Adjust other ingredients proportionally.

Can I Make Gluten-Free Sourdough Linzer Cookies?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour and ensure your sourdough discard is gluten-free.

What If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?

Substitute with all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for flavor.

Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter?

Absolutely! Both discard and active starter work beautifully in this recipe.

---

Bake your way to festive cheer with these irresistible sourdough linzer cookies. A touch of tradition, a hint of tang, and a whole lot of holiday spirit!

Sourdough Sugar Cookies: A Perfect Blend of Tangy and Sweet