If you’re searching for a cookie that combines stunning looks with mouthwatering taste, this Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming red velvet cookies sandwich a smooth, lemon-kissed cream cheese filling, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and tender textures. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies will steal the show with their vibrant color and irresistible richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in achieving the perfect cookie texture, color, and flavor. From the almond flour that adds a subtle nuttiness to the red velvet emulsion that gives these cookies their signature hue, every component is essential and straightforward to find.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough providing structure and chew.
- Superfine almond flour: Adds a delicate nutty flavor and tender crumb.
- Cocoa powder: Gives that classic subtle chocolate flavor essential to red velvet.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that slight crisp edge.
- Vegan butter (or butter of choice): Offers rich creaminess and moisture to the cookies.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding softness.
- Red Velvet Emulsion: Provides the vibrant red color and signature flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds warmth.
- Baking powder: Lightens the dough for a tender bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Organic shortening (or butter): Key for the luscious cream cheese filling texture.
- Softened cream cheese: Creates the smooth and tangy filling perfect for a Linzer sandwich.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for easy spreading or piping.
- Fine lemon zest: Adds a bright, fresh zing that lifts the cream cheese filling.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting to finish with an elegant touch.
- Heart cookie cutter: Gives your cookies that adorable classic Linzer shape.
- Small fondant heart cutter (or preferred shape): To create the peek-a-boo center on half of the cookies.
- Parchment paper & baking sheets: For hassle-free baking and cleanup.
- Piping bag: Makes filling the cookies neat and pretty.
- Rolling pin: For rolling the dough evenly to the perfect thickness.
How to Make Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of cocoa, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, in your mixer, beat the vegan butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—a pale yellow sign you’ve whipped in plenty of air, which means tender cookies. Add the eggs, red velvet emulsion, and vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that iconic flavor and vibrant hue. Gradually mix in the flour blend until the dough just comes together, adding a little extra flour if it feels sticky. This balance is key to creating cookies sturdy enough to hold their shape but soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Lightly flour your rolling pin and surface or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thick—thickness matters here for the perfect Linzer bite. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out around two dozen cookie shapes. For the top halves, use a smaller fondant heart or other desired shape to cut out centers, creating a charming window to peek at the luscious filling.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for about 5 minutes if you want them soft, a critical tip since Linzer cookies should have a gentle chew rather than a crisp crunch. Remove and let them cool completely on the baking sheets to prevent breakage and to set their delicate structure which will hold the filling beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Mix together your softened cream cheese, organic shortening, confectioners’ sugar, fine lemon zest, vanilla extract, and just a pinch of salt until luxuriously smooth. This filling melds richness with a zing of citrus that complements the cocoa and red velvet flavors perfectly. Transfer this into a piping bag for easy and neat application.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Pipe the cream cheese filling generously onto the solid cookies, then top each with the cutout cookies to make a sandwich. The small cutouts give a peek at the luscious filling and make for a stunning visual. Finish each cookie with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant, festive look.
Step 6: Serving Preparation
Allow your Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe to rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This short waiting time lets the flavors meld together and the filling soften slightly, bringing out the full richness and softness of each bite.
How to Serve Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic powdered sugar finish is stunning on its own, you can add a little twist with colorful edible glitter, fresh raspberries on the side, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. These additions elevate the presentation and add subtle complementary flavors to the luscious cookie sandwich.
Side Dishes
Red Velvet Linzer Cookies pair beautifully with a creamy hot chocolate or a rich cup of coffee. For those preferring a non-caffeinated option, a spiced chai latte or a fresh berry smoothie really balance the rich flavors and make for a cozy treat session.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand for festive occasions, or package them in clear decorative boxes tied with ribbons for perfect gifts. You could also stack them with parchment paper layers in a holiday cookie tin to keep fresh and create a delightful surprise for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Red Velvet Linzer Cookies keep surprisingly well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate filling.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them assembled in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months frozen without losing flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To warm them slightly, let the frozen or refrigerated cookies come to room temperature and then heat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 3-5 minutes. This refreshes the softness and brings back that just-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute vegan butter with any butter you prefer. The texture and taste might vary slightly, but either choice will still give you delicious Red Velvet Linzer Cookies.
What if I don’t have red velvet emulsion?
You can substitute with red food coloring and a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract, but red velvet emulsion adds the classic flavor and aroma that makes these cookies truly special.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling out?
Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, or roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Chill the dough for a bit before rolling if it feels too soft or sticky.
Can I make the filling dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based shortening to ensure the filling stays creamy and delicious while fitting your dietary needs.
What’s the best way to store these cookies for gifting?
Layer them in airtight containers with parchment paper in between. Keep them in a cool, dry place and avoid stacking too high to prevent breakage.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about sharing a batch of homemade Linzer cookies, especially when they’re this visually stunning and flavorful. This Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe is a joyful way to bring a touch of elegance and love into your kitchen, and I promise, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll reach for again and again. So grab your rolling pin, invite a friend or two, and bury yourself in the sweetness of baking these unforgettable treats!
Print
Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on classic Linzer cookies, featuring a soft red velvet-flavored buttery dough sandwiching a tangy and creamy lemon-vanilla cream cheese filling. Perfectly baked to tender perfection and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these festive cookies are ideal for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a deliciously beautiful treat.
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
For Assembly and Finishing
- 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 it turns pale yellow. Scrape down the edges of the bowl with a rubber spatula. 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 butter mixture, mixing on medium speed until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it attaches to the paddle.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a rolling pin and a solid surface or a sheet of parchment paper. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using your desired cookie cutter, cut the dough into even circles or hearts. You should be able to cut about 24 cookies. Use a smaller cutter to cut out shapes in the center of half the cookie cutouts to create the classic Linzer cookie look.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5 minutes for soft cookies. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a bowl, mix the organic shortening, softened cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the fine lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing well to combine. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag and set aside.
- Assemble the cookies: Pipe the cream cheese filling onto the whole cookie bases. Gently place the cookie cutouts with center cutouts on top to form a sandwich.
- Finish and serve: Lightly dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar. Let the cookies come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes can make rolling easier.
- You can substitute vegan butter with regular unsalted butter if not vegan.
- Red Velvet Emulsion adds signature flavor, but you can substitute with 1 tsp red food coloring and 1/2 tsp cocoa powder if unavailable.
- For sharper cookie cutouts, chill cut dough pieces before baking.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Let cookies come to room temperature before eating for best texture and flavor.
