Go Back
–+ servings
Overhead view of several reindeer linzer cookies arranged on parchment paper with festive holiday ornaments.
Print Recipe

Reindeer Linzer Cookies

These reindeer linzer cookies are a cute holiday twist on the classic. Buttery sandwich cookies are filled with strawberry jam and decorated to look like Rudolph for a fun and festive treat.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chill3 hours
Total Time3 hours 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: reindeer linzer cookies
Servings: 12
Calories: 154kcal
Author: Sarah Hayes

Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Rudolph Decorations

  • strawberry jam , for the red nose
  • edible candy eyes
  • melted chocolate , for the antlers
  • powdered sugar , for dusting the cookies

Instructions

  • Make the dough and chill. Add the flour and cold butter to a large bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks sandy. Mix in the powdered sugar and salt. Pour in the egg yolk, heavy cream, and vanilla, then stir until the dough starts to come together. Shape it into a flat disk, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 3 hours.
  • Roll and cut. Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter. On half of the cookies, cut out a small hole in the center (this becomes Rudolph’s nose). Place everything on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake and cool. Bake at 320°F for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look pale.Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Assemble. Spread a little strawberry jam on the flat side of each solid cookie. Top with a cookie that has the cut-out center, pressing gently so the jam peeks through. Dust cookies with powdered sugar if desired.
  • Decorate Rudolph. Add two candy eyeballs above the jam nose. Pipe melted chocolate on top to create simple antlers. Let the chocolate set, then serve.

Notes

  • Keep the butter cold. This gives the dough its light, sandy linzer texture.
  • Smooth jam works best. Strain the strawberry jam if needed for a glossy Rudolph nose.
  • Make ahead. The dough keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, and baked cookies can be assembled the day you serve them.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 233IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg