These easy Linzer Cookies are a low carb keto cookie recipe of the classic holiday sandwich cookies and just as delicious! Vegan shortbread cookies with a refined sugar-free strawberry jam filling.
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Healthy Shortbread Linzer Cookies
Looking for a healthier take on the classic Linzer sandwich cookies for your holiday cookie platter? These Keto Linzer Cookies are one of our favorite Christmas cookies. They are easy to make with a grain-free shortbread cookie dough and perfect for Santa’s cookie plate!
A few of our other favorite Christmas cookie recipes we love making every December include these sugar cookies, snowballs, and gingerbread cookies.
Why we love this easy gluten free cookie dough
- super easy to make with 5 ingredients
- simple one bowl recipe with no mixer required
Thee best part is that you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen pantry. Especially if you’re already following a low carb keto diet.
What are Linzer Cookies
Linzer torte cookies are shortbread cookies that resemble tarts and are filled with fruit jam or fruit preserves. The cut out shape on top mimics a lattice crust.
So where do Linzer Cookies originate from
Did you know the Linzertorte is an Austrian dessert tart made with ground almonds that was introduced by an Austrian baker to America around 1856.
Austrian Linzer cookies use the same recipe as a Linzer tart but are formed into a cookie sandwich with a raspberry jam filling. What I love about these beautiful gourmet cookies is that they can be served all year but are especially popular around Christmas.
Ingredients you need
The recipe for Martha Stewart Linzer cookies are made with all purpose flour, powdered sugar, butter and raspberry jam.
Our gluten free shortbread cookies are refined-sugar free and use only FOUR (4) main ingredients. What makes these vegan linzer cookies tasty is the pinch of almond extract and dash of cinnamon. Plus the shortbread dough is also really forgiving and comes together in just one bowl
HEALTHY COOKIE DOUGH:
- superfine almond flour
- pure maple syrup OR Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup
- vanilla extract
- almond extract , optional but adds that signature sugar cookie flavor
- ground cinnamon, optional but helps to balance out the flavors
- fine sea salt
FILLING AND GARNISH:
- homemade strawberry chia seed jam OR favorite sugar-free jam/apricot preserves – use raspberry jam for raspberry linzer cookies
- coconut sugar or powdered low carb sweetener , sifted (we use Lakanto powdered monk fruit sweetener)
How to make Linzer Cookies
- PREHEAT THE OVEN AND PREP THE BAKING SHEET: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- MAKE THE DOUGH: In a large bowl, add the flour, sweetener, vanilla, optional almond extract & salt & mix until dough starts to form. Knead dough with your hands and form into a large ball.
- FREEZE DOUGH: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap & freeze for 15 minutes.PREHEAT OVEN: Meanwhile, preheat oven to 250F.
- MAKE THE COOKIES: Remove dough from fridge & roll into 1/4” thickness in between two large pieces of parchment paper. Use Linzer cookie cutters & cut into equal outer rounds & inner shapes – re-rolling scraps as needed. Use both hands to lift the edges of the parchment paper with the cut-out cookies & transfer onto the baking sheet.
- BAKE COOKIES: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until cookies are just slightly golden on bottom. Allow to cool for 15 minutes then lift the parchment paper to transfer cookies to wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Linzer Cookies be frozen
Yes, absolutely! I always make a double batch of these gluten free cookies since they are perfect for making ahead and they’re freezer friendly!
How to freeze Linzer Cookies
To freeze your gluten free sandwich cookies, simply place the entire baking sheet of baked cookies in the freezer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, transfer to a resealable bag or an airtight container.
How long do these cookies keep
You can store the frozen bag of cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Are shortbread cookies keto
Typical shortbread cookies are made with high carb flours and refined sugars so they are not low carb or keto.
These vegan linzer cookies are made with just a few simple low carb ingredients and the macro nutritional facts for ONE paleo shortbread cookie is:
- 115 calories
- 3g Net Carbs = 6g Total carbs – 2g Fiber
- 7g Fat
- 3g Protein
More keto cookies you’ll love:

These easy Linzer Cookies are a low carb keto cookie recipe of the classic holiday sandwich cookies and just as delicious! Vegan shortbread cookies with a refined sugar-free strawberry jam filling.
- 2 cups superfine almond flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup OR Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract , optional but adds that signature sugar cookie flavor
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/3 - 1/2 cup homemade strawberry chia seed jam OR favorite sugar-free jam/preserves
- Powdered coconut sugar or powdered sweetener , sifted
- In a large bowl, add the flour, sweetener, vanilla, optional almond extract & salt & mix until dough starts to form. Knead dough with your hands and form into a large ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap & freeze for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 250F.
- Remove dough from fridge & roll into 1/4” thickness in between two large pieces of parchment paper.
- Use Linzer cookie cutters & cut into equal outer rounds & inner shapes - re-rolling scraps as needed. Use both hands to lift the edges of the parchment paper with the cut-out cookies & transfer onto the baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until cookies are just slightly golden on bottom. Allow to cool for 15 minutes then lift the parchment paper to transfer cookies to wire rack to cool completely.
melissa -
wow, made these on the weekend with my daughter and they were a hit. thanks
Lily -
yum, made these on the weekend and they came out so good! my daughter and husband want another batch 🙂
cheryl -
these are amazing! we made them last year and they are back again for this holiday season. a keeper, thanks!
Mary -
cant believe these are paleo!!! absolutely delicious and light. the chia jam is a perfect addition. definitely make sure to freeze the dough it helps with the cookie cutting!!! Amazing recipe, Kelly!