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These Air Fryer Linzer Raspberry Cookies are the kind of treat that feels fancy, but comes together with simple ingredients and a little air fryer magic. You get tender, buttery cookies with a sweet raspberry center and just the right dusting of powdered sugar on top.
I made these for the first time during a snowstorm when I didn’t want to heat up the oven. I was shocked at how beautiful and bakery-style they turned out from the air fryer — golden edges, crisp tops, and no spreading. Just classic Linzer charm in a tiny fraction of the time!
Linzer cookies are basically a delicate shortbread-style sandwich cookie. You cut out a top and bottom, bake them separately, then sandwich raspberry jam in the middle. It’s the jam peek-through that gives them that signature look!
Whether you’re making a cookie tray or gifting something special, these cookies feel like a hug in edible form. Let’s bake some Linzers!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
- All-purpose flour – Gives the dough structure. Spoon and level to measure.
- Unsalted butter – Softened and high quality for best flavor.
- Powdered sugar – Keeps the dough smooth and not too sweet.
- Vanilla extract – Classic flavor base.
- Almond flour (optional but traditional) – Adds delicate nuttiness.
- Salt – Balances the flavor.
- Raspberry jam – The sweet and tangy filling. Seedless is best for texture.
- Powdered sugar for dusting – Optional, but beautiful!
Optional: Lemon zest or almond extract for extra brightness.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the dough: Beat 3/4 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Add 1 tsp vanilla and mix. Stir in 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (and 1/4 cup almond flour, if using), plus 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until soft dough forms.
- Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies with round or shaped cutters, then cut small centers from half of them (these will be the tops).
- Chill the cookies: Chill cut-out cookies in the fridge for 15 minutes to help them hold shape.
- Preheat & load: Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Line basket with parchment. Place cookies in batches.Pro Tip: Bake tops and bottoms separately to prevent uneven baking.
- Air fry: Bake 6–8 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely on a rack.
- Assemble: Spread 1/2 tsp raspberry jam on each bottom cookie. Top with cut-out cookie and gently press. Dust with powdered sugar.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the chill – Dough will spread or lose detail.
- Overbaking – Linzers should be pale with just-golden edges.
- Using warm cookies to assemble – Jam will melt and slide.
- Overfilling with jam – A little goes a long way.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Almond-heavy: Use more almond flour for nutty flavor.
- Lemon Linzers: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the dough.
- Other jams: Try apricot, strawberry, or fig.
- Chocolate-filled: Use Nutella or chocolate ganache instead of jam.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
Make the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep chilled. You can also freeze unbaked cut-outs for later use.
Store assembled cookies in a single layer (or between parchment) for up to 4 days. They get softer over time, but stay tasty. Do not freeze assembled cookies.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Around 140 calories per sandwich cookie (varies with filling).
Air Fryer Linzer Raspberry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla.
- Mix in flours and salt until soft dough forms.
- Roll to 1/4 inch and cut cookie shapes; cut centers from half.
- Chill cookies 15 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F. Line basket with parchment.
- Air fry 6–8 minutes until lightly golden. Cool.
- Sandwich with raspberry jam. Dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
An automated tool is used to calculate nutritional information. Accuracy not guaranteed.
These Linzer Raspberry Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Buttery, jammy, and just the right amount of fancy — they’re perfect for gifting or just savoring with tea by the tree. If you try them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Tag me in your cookie creations, and for more holiday charm, check out my air fryer snowball cookies — melt-in-your-mouth magic!
