Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring a perfect balance of flavor and festive charm, then the Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These delightful treats combine the classic tender, cocoa-kissed richness of red velvet with the delicate sandwich style of Linzer cookies, filled with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They are as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Let’s dive into how simple ingredients come together to create these irresistible bites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few special touches, this recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to bake something extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role — from the almond flour that adds a subtle nuttiness and tender crumb, to the red velvet emulsion that gives these cookies their signature flavor and vivid color.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your cookies, providing structure and softness.
• 1/4 cup superfine almond flour: Adds a delicate texture and a touch of nuttiness that sets these cookies apart.
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder: For that classic red velvet chocolate undertone.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly, ensuring every bite is a delight.
• 1/3 cup vegan butter (or butter of choice): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• 2 eggs: Bind everything together with a silky smooth texture.
• 2 tsp Red Velvet Emulsion: Delivers the unique and vibrant red velvet flavor you’re craving.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise perfectly without losing their tender crumb.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavors.
• 1/2 cup organic shortening (or butter): Provides a creamy base for the frosting with smooth consistency.
• 1/2 cup softened cream cheese: Creates a tangy, luscious filling that complements the red velvet dough.
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky smooth.
• 1/2 tsp fine lemon zest: Adds a fresh, zingy brightness to the frosting.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enriches the filling with depth and warmth.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors in the frosting beautifully.
• Powdered sugar for dusting: The final touch that makes these cookies look as festive as they taste.
• Heart cookie cutter: Perfect for shaping your cookies with love.
• Small fondant heart cutter or shape of choice: To create the charming cutouts on the cookie tops.
• Parchment paper & baking sheets: Essential for easy baking and cleanup.
• Piping bag: For neatly filling your cookies with that luscious frosting.
• Rolling pin: To roll your dough evenly for consistent cookie thickness.

How to Make Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, superfine almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This will ensure all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and your dough blends smoothly later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, roughly 3 minutes. You want the mixture to turn pale yellow—that’s a sign it’s perfectly aerated and ready to create a delicate crumb.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Scrape down the edges of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing. Then, beat in the eggs, red velvet emulsion, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully combined. This step is where the doughreally starts to come alive with that signature red velvet flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing at medium speed until the dough just comes together. It should be soft but workable. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time until it holds together enough for rolling.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Cut Shapes

Lightly flour your rolling pin and surface (or use parchment paper) to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using your heart cookie cutter, cut about two dozen hearts or circles, depending on your mood. For half the cookies, use the smaller fondant heart cutter to cut out shapes in the center—this will make your Linzer cookies absolutely charming once sandwiched.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the cut cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for soft, not crispy—these cookies should have a tender bite. After removing them from the oven, let them cool completely on a wire rack so they’re ready for filling.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, organic shortening, confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. The lemon zest adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced filling.

Step 8: Assemble the Linzer Cookies

Transfer the frosting into a piping bag for easy application. Pipe a generous amount onto the whole cookies, then gently place the cutout cookie on top, aligning the center window carefully. To finish, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for a magical, snow-kissed look.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

For best flavor and texture, let your Red Velvet Linzer Cookies come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to soften slightly and all the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling powdered sugar over the cookies adds a festive, elegant touch that makes them perfect for special occasions. For a whimsical twist, you can also add edible glitter or small red sprinkles around the edges for that extra pop of color and sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy hot chocolate. Their rich flavors and creamy filling complement the spices and warmth in these drinks, making each bite and sip a harmonious experience. They are also fantastic with a simple glass of cold milk to balance their sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Red Velvet Linzer Cookies shine as beautiful gifts or party platters. Arrange them in a decorative tin lined with festive tissue paper or stack them on a tiered dessert tray. You can also bundle them in clear treat bags tied with a red ribbon for a homemade gift that feels truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Red Velvet Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures the cookies stay soft and the frosting stays fresh without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookies before assembly for up to 2 months. Freeze them flat on a tray first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then add the frosting and sandwich them together.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly warmed treat, pop them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F/150°C) for just a few minutes. Be careful not to melt the frosting completely—just warm enough to bring out the scents and soft texture.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will remain just as delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have red velvet emulsion?

Red velvet emulsion is special for its concentrated flavor and deep color, but you can use a combination of vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring as a substitute, although the taste may be a bit different.

Is there a vegan option for the cream cheese filling?

Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and a vegan shortening or non-dairy butter alternative to create that creamy frosting while keeping it completely plant-based.

Can I use jam or preserves instead of the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! Traditional Linzer cookies often use fruit preserves, so raspberry or strawberry jam works beautifully if you want a fruity contrast to the velvet flavor.

How thick should I roll the dough?

About 1/4 inch thick is perfect for these cookies. This thickness keeps them tender and allows the cutout centers to hold their shape without breaking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to create delicious memories, whether you’re celebrating a holiday, baking with loved ones, or just treating yourself to something sweet and special. These cookies have a way of warming hearts with their tender crumb, rich flavors, and charming presentation. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!

Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 86 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Linzer cookie, featuring a rich red velvet dough sandwiched with a creamy, lemon-vanilla cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft with a slight crisp edge and a tender center, these cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Ideal for special occasions or as a sweet treat, they combine vibrant color with luscious flavor and a hint of citrus for balance.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup superfine almond flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup vegan butter (or butter of choice)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp Red Velvet Emulsion
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Filling

• 1/2 cup organic shortening (or butter of choice)
• 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 tsp fine lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Other

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Heart cookie cutter
• Small fondant heart cutter or shape of choice
• Parchment paper & baking sheets
• Piping bag
• Rolling pin

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Instructions

1. Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, superfine almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, until the mixture turns pale yellow, indicating good aeration.
3. Scrape bowl: Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the edges of the bowl to ensure all ingredients will be evenly incorporated.
4. Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs, red velvet emulsion, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated, forming a consistent wet mixture.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on medium speed until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it clings to the paddle attachment.
6. Chill dough (optional): For easier handling and cleaner cuts, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes if desired.
7. Roll out dough: Lightly flour a rolling pin and either a solid surface or a sheet of parchment paper. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness for even baking.
8. Cut shapes: Use a heart cookie cutter (or circle) to cut out about two dozen cookies evenly.
9. Cut centers: Use a smaller fondant heart cutter or a shape of choice to cut out centers in half of the cookie cutouts, creating tops for the sandwich cookies.
10. Prepare for baking: Place the whole and cutout cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for slight expansion.
11. Bake cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for soft cookies. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to set.
12. Prepare filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the organic shortening (or butter), softened cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.
13. Add flavor to filling: Mix in the fine lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is well combined and smooth.
14. Fill piping bag: Transfer the frosting mixture into a piping bag fitted with a round tip for easy application.
15. Pipe filling: Pipe a generous amount of cream cheese frosting onto the whole cookies.
16. Assemble cookies: Carefully place the cutout cookies on top of the frosted cookies to form sandwich cookies, gently pressing to adhere without squeezing out the filling.
17. Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the tops of the sandwich cookies with powdered sugar for a classic, elegant finish.
18. Rest before serving: Let the cookies come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
19. Serve and enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

• The almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and tender crumb but can be substituted with additional all-purpose flour if needed.
• Red Velvet Emulsion can be replaced with red food coloring and a hint of cocoa powder for similar coloring and flavor.
• Chilling the dough before rolling helps achieve cleaner cookie shapes and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Use parchment paper to avoid cookies sticking to the baking sheet and ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer a firmer filling, refrigerate the frosting briefly before piping.
• These cookies can be frozen after baking and assembled when ready to serve; thaw fully before frosting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American