Vegan Linzer Cookies
These Vegan Linzer Cookies are buttery, soft, and melt in your mouth, with a delicious raspberry jam filling. Made with ground almonds, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, these cookies have a delicate texture and a light citrusy aroma. The heart-shaped cutouts make them a beautiful treat for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or special occasions. They’re easy to make, dairy-free, and irresistibly delicious!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl & whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Round cookie cutter & small heart cutter
- Baking tray & parchment paper
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 300g (10.5 oz) plain flour
- 50g (1.7 oz) ground almonds
- 90g (3.1 oz) sugar or caster sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 175g (6.1 oz) vegan margarine or butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp almond milk
For the Filling & Topping:
- 100g (3.5 oz) raspberry jam
- Icing sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, sugar, and lemon zest until evenly combined.
- Add the vegan margarine, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Use your hands or a spatula to knead the mixture into a smooth dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
Step 2: Roll & Cut the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the dough to 3mm (1/5 inch) thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (or a small cup) to cut out discs from the dough.
- Using a small heart-shaped cutter, cut out hearts in the center of half of the discs (these will be the tops).
- Place the cut-out cookies onto the lined baking tray, making sure to space them slightly apart.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely before assembling.
Step 4: Prepare the Raspberry Jam Filling
- In a small saucepan, heat the raspberry jam over low heat until melted. (This makes it easier to spread and ensures a smooth finish.)
- Remove from heat and let the jam cool slightly (it will thicken again as it cools).
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread a thin layer of jam onto the bottom cookies (without the heart cutout).
- Carefully place a heart-cutout cookie on top and press gently to secure it.
- Fill the heart-shaped cutout with a little more jam to make it pop!
Step 6: Finish & Serve!
- Lightly dust the cookies with icing sugar for a beautiful, festive touch.
- Let them sit until the jam is set, then enjoy these buttery, fruity, and sweet vegan Linzer cookies!
Notes
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Linzer Cookies
✔ Chill the Dough – This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. ✔ Use Fine Ground Almonds – This gives the cookies a delicate, shortbread-like texture. ✔ Avoid Overbaking – Bake just until the edges turn light golden brown for a tender bite. ✔ Make it Gluten-Free – Swap plain flour for a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. ✔ Experiment with Fillings – Try strawberry jam, apricot preserves, or even chocolate spread for variety!
✔ Chill the Dough – This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. ✔ Use Fine Ground Almonds – This gives the cookies a delicate, shortbread-like texture. ✔ Avoid Overbaking – Bake just until the edges turn light golden brown for a tender bite. ✔ Make it Gluten-Free – Swap plain flour for a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. ✔ Experiment with Fillings – Try strawberry jam, apricot preserves, or even chocolate spread for variety!