Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies Recipe

Sweet and tart, these sandwich cookies combine two favorite seasonal flavors and are as pretty as they are tasty.
Square colorful Linzer cookies

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies Recipe

Sweet and tart, these sandwich cookies combine two favorite seasonal flavors and are as pretty as they are tasty.

Follow Sam on:

Related To:

The sweet and tart jam could be enjoyed on its own or in other recipes. Be sure to save those holes you cut out to make the perfect petite cookies.

Ingredients

The Cookie:
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon orange zest
3 cups flour

The Filling:
12 oz. fresh cranberries
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 orange peel
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
3/4 cup water

Instructions

The Cookie:
1. Cream the butter, sugar and salt together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add walnuts, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and zest. Mix well.
4. Add flour and mix until incorporated.
5. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°.
7. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface.
8. For each cookie cut two shapes with your cookie cutter. From one cut a smaller shape out leaving a hole. Place them on separate trays.
9. Bake on parchment-lined sheets for 12-14 minutes.
10. Allow to cool completely.
11. When cool, dust the cookies with the holes with confectioners' sugar.
12. Spread about a teaspoonful of filling on the base cookie and top with the dusted cookie.

The Filling:
1. In a food processor, grind the cranberries to a fine consistency.
2. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. Over medium heat bring the ingredients to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to simmer and allow to cook for 30-35 minutes or until you reach 220 degrees.
5. Allow to cool completely before using.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Next Up

Lemon Lavender Pound Cake Recipe

Lemon and lavender taste divine together and the sweet, tart icing adds a wonderful finishing touch. This cake is moist and totally fork-worthy. Make it anytime or save its tangy sweetness for special occasions. 

Cranberry Pistachio Sables Recipe

These little gems are a great standard recipe to know. They incorporate holiday colors and flavors in a treat that’s both sweet and a little salty. The cookie's texture is crumbly, the cranberries are chewy and the pistachios lend just the right amount of crunch to finish it off. These sables are holiday perfection. 

Holidays Made Easy: Delish Deer Cookies

Need a quick cookie with maximum cute factor? Look no further! Triangle-shaped butter shortbread cookies (AKA Petticoat Tails) are made even tastier with a dip in melted chocolate. Little hands can help arrange the pretzel ‘antlers’ and mini semisweet chips which create the eyes and nose of our woodland deer. This recipe can easily be adapted for Christmas cookie trays by replacing the semisweet chocolate chip nose with a red candy-coated chocolate piece.

Lemon-Filled Honey Shortbread Recipe

These honey cookies are no ordinary shortbread. They have all the makings of a shortbread, but include a textural bite from the corn meal and feature the subtle sweetness of honey. The tart tang of the lemon curd adds a refreshing finish. 

Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

These flavorful cookies combine the wonderful tastes of fruit and spice. The robust mincemeat center is perfect with the sweetness of the cookie. Be sure to refrigerate before baking to prevent unwanted spreading of the dough in the oven

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Combining two popular holiday flavors – peppermint and chocolate – these tasty cookies are perfect for gift giving.

Tuxedo Cookie Recipe

Friends and family will flip for these crunchy, chocolatey cookies filled with rich mascarpone cream and then rolled in mini chocolate chips.

Citrus Curd Recipe

Turn fresh citrus fruits — like lemon, lime, pink grapefruit, orange, blood orange, or Meyer lemon — into a tangy addition to homemade cakes, pies, tarts or as a delicious spread to enjoy with scones or fresh baked bread.

Citrus Marmalade Recipe

Tangy citrus marmalade is simple to make and, canned in jars, it is a thoughtful holiday gift. Pair your homemade marmalade with freshly baked croissants or scones for a treat they'll never forget.

Cranberry Bliss Dacquoise Recipe

This rich and decadent dessert has all the best flavors of the holiday season. Make the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to really wow your guests.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.