If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, you’re in the right place. This Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe brings a gorgeous twist to the classic Linzer cookie—infusing that signature red velvet charm and a luscious cream cheese filling. These cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but boast a tender crumb with just the right bittersweet cocoa balance, complemented perfectly by a smooth, tangy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or simply because you deserve a treat, these cookies will quickly become a treasured favorite in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe starts with a few straightforward but carefully selected ingredients. Each item contributes something special—whether it’s the rich color, the tender crumb, or that dreamy cream cheese filling that brings everything together.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for our cookies, providing structure and tenderness.
- Superfine almond flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and a tender crumb to the dough.
- Cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their delicate chocolate undertone, key to the red velvet flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens evenly and helps with the light and fluffy texture.
- Vegan butter (or butter of choice): Brings rich creaminess and moisture that make the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness.
- Red Velvet Emulsion: The ingredient that delivers that unmistakable red velvet flavor and aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies just a touch of lift for softness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Organic shortening (or butter): In the filling, ensures creaminess and smooth texture.
- Softened cream cheese: The creamy star of the filling, bringing tart richness.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it silky smooth.
- Fine lemon zest: Adds a subtle brightness to the cream cheese frosting.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A final elegant touch to make your cookies look irresistible.
- Heart cookie cutter and small fondant heart cutter (or shape of choice): To create those iconic Linzer cookie sandwich shapes.
- Parchment paper & baking sheets: For easy baking and cleanup.
- Piping bag and rolling pin: Essential tools for smooth assembly and shaping.
How to Make Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Begin by combining your dry ingredients—flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl and whisking them together. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for that perfect texture in every bite. Then, in your mixer bowl, beat the vegan butter and granulated sugar for a good three minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a pale yellow. This aeration is key because it makes the cookies tender and slightly cakey.
Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs, red velvet emulsion, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth and fully combined. The red velvet emulsion is what elevates this Linzer cookie into something truly special—infusing it with that distinctive, nostalgic flavor in a way that powdered coloring alone can’t match.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, mixing on medium speed. You’ll notice the dough coming together into a soft ball. If it feels a touch too sticky to work with comfortably, just sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough clings nicely to the mixer paddle. This dough needs enough structure to roll out smoothly while remaining tender.
Step 4: Roll and Cut Out Your Cookies
Lightly flour your workspace and rolling pin, then roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. This thickness ensures your cookies bake evenly—soft but sturdy enough to hold the cream cheese filling. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of shapes. On half of these, use the smaller fondant heart cutter to create a little window in the center. These tops will let you peek at that luscious filling once assembled. You should be able to get approximately two dozen cookies from this batch.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Transfer your cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 5 minutes, just enough to set them without making them too crisp. The goal is soft, tender cookies that practically melt when you bite into them. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely to keep that perfect soft texture intact during assembly.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While your cookies cool, whip up the filling by beating together the organic shortening or butter, softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, fine lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The lemon zest adds a bright counterpoint to the rich creaminess, making the filling spectacularly fresh. Transfer this luscious mixture into a piping bag for neat assembly.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Pipe a generous layer of cream cheese filling onto the whole cookies, then gently press the cutout cookies on top to create a lovely sandwich. The vibrant red edges peeking through the frosting window create a stunning visual contrast that’s absolutely mouthwatering. Finally, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and a bit of festive cheer.
How to Serve Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the beauty and flavor of your Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe, try adding a few delicate garnishes. A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or edible rose petals on the cream cheese filling before sandwiching can add a surprising pop of color and texture. Another favorite is a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon to elevate the cozy, decadent vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine with a simple cup of rich, hot coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic combo. Around the holidays, try pairing them with mulled wine or hot cocoa—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns a humble snack into a memorable occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your cookie presentation extra special? Arrange your Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe on a tiered dessert stand or nestle them in festive cupcake liners for easy serving. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons as charming homemade gifts. If you’re feeling extra creative, try layering the cookies in a glass jar with alternating layers of powdered sugar for a delightful visual and flavorful treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking together and preserve their delicate filling.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead for a party, they freeze beautifully. After assembling, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
Because these are tender Linzer-style cookies with a cream cheese filling, reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly softer, pop them in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent melting the filling unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
While almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and crumbly texture, you can substitute it with extra all-purpose flour; just keep in mind the cookies might be a bit less tender and slightly denser.
Is the Red Velvet Emulsion necessary?
The emulsion gives that authentic red velvet flavor, but if you can’t find it, vanilla extract combined with a little cocoa powder works as a decent alternative. The key is to maintain the balance between chocolate and vanilla notes.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With a few ingredient swaps such as vegan butter and an egg replacer, plus using vegan-friendly cream cheese, it’s definitely possible to modify this recipe to be vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Why do Linzer cookies have a cutout on top?
The cutout is traditional and serves both aesthetic and practical purposes—it shows off the filling and adds a charming window effect that makes these cookies uniquely delightful.
How long do the cookies last once assembled?
Due to the cream cheese filling, these cookies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored properly to ensure freshness and prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe that transforms a simple cookie into a show-stopping treat. From the striking color to the luscious, tangy cream cheese filling, every bite is pure joy. If you want to spoil yourself or impress your friends with a heartwarming homemade delight, don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and get baking. Trust me, these cookies will become your new obsession in no time.
Print
Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (12 sandwich cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Linzer cookie, featuring a vibrant red velvet dough and a luscious cream cheese filling with a hint of lemon zest. Light, tender, and beautifully sandwich-shaped with cutout centers, they are perfect for festive occasions or an elegant treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
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
Cream Cheese 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
Others
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Heart cookie cutter
- Small fondant heart cutter or shape of choice
- Parchment paper & baking sheets
- Piping bag
- Rolling pin
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the vegan butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, until the mixture turns pale yellow. Scrape down the edges of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing. Beat in the eggs, red velvet emulsion, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture, which includes all-purpose flour, superfine almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, to the wet ingredients and mix on medium speed until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it attaches properly to the paddle attachment.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a rolling pin and a solid surface or use a sheet of parchment paper. Roll out the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or your desired shape to cut out about 24 cookie shapes. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out shapes in the center to create the characteristic Linzer cookie design.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookie cutouts on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5 minutes for soft cookies. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the organic shortening, softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, fine lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag and set aside for assembly.
- Assemble the cookies: Pipe the cream cheese filling onto the whole cookie bases. Place the cutout cookies gently on top of the frosted cookies to form sandwiches. Lightly dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar to finish.
- Serve: Let the sandwich cookies come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor combination.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is not too sticky before rolling out by adding flour gradually.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy transfer of cookies to baking sheets.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting of the filling.
- Red Velvet Emulsion can be substituted with vanilla extract and red food coloring if unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For vegan version, ensure to use vegan butter and substitute eggs with appropriate egg replacer.
