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Almond Raspberry Linzer Bars

Hillary Rooney-Fernandes
A Simplified Twist on a Classic Favorite
 If you love Linzer Cookies but don’t have the time (or patience) to cut and sandwich cookies, then these Almond Raspberry Linzer Bars are for you! A delicious, simplified version of the classic, these bars combine a rich almond-flavored crust, sweet raspberry jam, and a crumbly topping that’s just as indulgent as the traditional version—without the hassle.
 In this post, I’m going to share everything you need to know to make these Almond Raspberry Linzer Bars, including step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks for success. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday party, a family gathering, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress.
What Are Linzer Bars?
Linzer Bars are a modern twist on the classic Linzer Cookies that originate from Austria. Traditionally, Linzer cookies consist of two almond-based cookies with a layer of jam in the center. The cookies are often cut into delicate shapes and then sandwiched together, making them a bit time-consuming to assemble.
 However, these Almond Raspberry Linzer Bars take all the flavors of the classic cookie and transform them into a simple bar. They are just as delicious but much easier to make and serve. With a buttery almond-flavored crust and a sweet fruit jam filling, these bars are perfect for anyone who wants a hassle-free dessert that’s still impressive.
Why You’ll Love These Almond Raspberry Linzer Bars
 There are several reasons why I think you’ll love these Almond Raspberry Linzer Bars:
 Easy to Make: Unlike traditional Linzer cookies, these bars don’t require any fancy cookie cutters or sandwiching. Simply press the dough into a baking dish, spread with jam, crumble over the remaining dough, and bake. Easy, right?
Buttery Almond Flavour: The dough is made with ground almonds, giving these bars a rich, nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with the sweet raspberry jam.
Versatile: While I’ve used raspberry jam in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for your favorite fruit jam—strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry would work beautifully.
Make Ahead: These bars store really well, and they even taste better after a day or two, making them ideal for baking ahead of time for parties or gatherings.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat to have on hand throughout the week. Their elegance makes them suitable for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Cookies, Dessert
Servings 16 Cookies
Calories 372 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the Cookie Base:

  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ground almonds or almond meal
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 1 cup raspberry jam or any fruit jam of your choice, like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice optional, for a tart balance

For the Topping:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix until fully incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Press about ¾ of the dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom. You want a nice, even base layer. The dough will be a bit thick, but that’s okay!

Add the Raspberry Filling:

  • Once you’ve pressed the dough into the pan, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam (or your jam of choice) over the dough. You can also add fresh lemon juice to the jam to give it a bit of a tart contrast if you like. The jam layer should be about ½ inch thick—just enough to give each bite a fruity burst without overflowing.

Add the Crumbly Topping:

  • Now, crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer. You don’t need to cover it completely, as you want the jam to peek through in some places, but make sure the jam is well-covered in most areas.

Bake the Bars:

  • Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and firm to the touch. The jam should bubble around the edges, and the top should be slightly crisp. Be careful not to overbake the bars, as you want them soft and chewy in the middle.

Cool and Serve:

  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
  • Finish the Almond Raspberry Linzer Bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy look.

Enjoy!

  • These delicious bars are perfect for a holiday treat, party platter, or simply for indulging in with a cup of tea or coffee. The nutty almond base, the sweet raspberry filling, and the crumble topping make every bite a little piece of heaven.

Notes

Tips for the Best Linzer Bar Cookies:
  • Use a good-quality jam: Since the raspberry jam is the heart of this recipe, choosing a high-quality jam or even homemade jam will make all the difference in flavor.
  • Chill the dough: If you find the dough a bit sticky to work with, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan. It will be much easier to handle.
  • Experiment with different nuts: If almonds aren’t your favorite, you can swap them out for hazelnutswalnuts, or even pecans for a different flavor. Just be sure to grind them finely so they mix well into the dough.
  • Switch up the fruit filling: While raspberry is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like apricotstrawberry, or blackberry. Each one will give the bars its own unique flavor profile.
  • Make ahead: These bars are great for making ahead. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
  • Customise the top layer: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with chopped nuts to add some crunch. Why You'll Love These Linzer Bars:
    These Almond Raspberry Linzer Bars are a simplified version of the classic Linzer cookies. They take all the goodness of the traditional cookie—almond flavorfruit jam, and a crumbly texture—and turn it into an easy-to-make bar that’s just as delicious and much less time-consuming. The result is a beautiful and tasty treat that will be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s for the holidays or just a special weeknight dessert.
    They’re perfect for those who love jam-filled desserts but don’t have the time to cut and sandwich cookies. With their almond dough and sweet filling, these bars deliver all the flavor you crave with half the effort!

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 97mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 564IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Almond Raspberry Linzer cookies, Christmas Baking, Holiday Dessert, Linzer Cookies
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