There’s something utterly charming about a cookie that’s both delicate and bursting with bright raspberry flavor. This Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite treats to bake when I want something impressive but not complicated—plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends who need gluten-free options!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe feels like a little celebration with every bite. I love how the buttery almond shortbread pairs with the sweet-tart raspberry jam—it’s nostalgic yet feels modern thanks to being gluten-free. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make these cookies look fancy, even if you don’t bake often.
- Fruit-forward flavor: The raspberry jam adds just the right pop of tastiness that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Gluten-free and fuss-free: Using a quality gluten-free flour blend means you don’t have to compromise on texture or taste.
- Almond aroma and crunch: The chopped almonds give these cookies a lovely hint of nuttiness and slight crunch that balances the soft jam center.
- Perfect for gifting or parties: They look elegant dusted with powdered sugar, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for holidays or afternoon tea.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe plays a key role, from the tender shortbread base to the almond crunch and vibrant jam center. Using room temperature ingredients helps everything blend smoothly, and choosing a reliable gluten-free flour blend ensures the texture is spot on.
- Butter or dairy-free butter: Brings richness and tender crumb to the cookies; room temp helps with easy mixing.
- Sugar: Sweetens and aids in the cookie’s delicate structure.
- Eggs: Provide moisture and bind everything together—using large eggs at room temp keeps dough consistent.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor without overpowering the raspberry.
- Gluten free all purpose flour with xanthan gum: The backbone of the cookie; xanthan gum mimics gluten’s elasticity for perfect texture.
- Finely chopped almonds: Give a nutty note and gentle crunch, making the cookies interesting.
- Baking powder: Adds just enough lift to keep the cookies from being too dense.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors—never skip it!
- Cinnamon: A subtle spice that complements raspberry beautifully.
- Raspberry jam: The star filling; feel free to swap with your favorite jam.
- Powdered sugar: For the final dusting, adding a festive and elegant touch.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I adore about this Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often swap out the raspberry jam for apricot or strawberry depending on what jars I have on hand—it’s always delicious!
- Use different nuts: I’ve tried these with ground pistachios or hazelnuts instead of almonds, and it adds a lovely twist that’s fun to experiment with.
- Make mini versions: Perfect for smaller bites if you’re hosting a party — they bake quicker and disappear faster.
- Dairy-free option: Use a trusted dairy-free butter and your favorite jam to keep them allergy friendly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the room-temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—that usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. This is a key step for a tender cookie, so don’t rush it! I find using a stand mixer helps keep things smooth.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack your eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and emulsified. Stir in the vanilla last before moving on to the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Nuts
In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Then fold the dry ingredients gently into your wet mixture until just combined. Stir in the finely chopped almonds last for that gorgeous texture surprise.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Cookies
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes—it helps with rolling and cutting neat shapes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round or fluted cookie cutter for the base cookies, and a smaller cutter (usually heart shapes are fun!) to create the windows on the tops.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until just golden at the edges. Keep a close eye—they cook quickly and you want to avoid over-browning.
Step 6: Assemble and Dust
Once cooled, spread a spoonful of raspberry jam on the whole cookies, then sandwich with the cutout tops. Finally, dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar—it adds such a festive, snowy look I always adore.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make my Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe come out beautifully every time, so I wanted to share those with you.
- Keep the dough chilled: Cold dough is easier to handle and prevents your cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Use good quality jam: Since the jam is the star in the center, choosing one with vibrant flavor and minimal additives really shines through.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies should be just turning golden—too long in the oven makes them dry instead of buttery and tender.
- Dust with powdered sugar last: Wait until the cookies are fully cool before dusting to get that pretty, snowy finish.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like keeping things simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar—it adds a gentle sweetness and makes them look gift-ready. Every now and then, I sprinkle a little finely chopped toasted almond on top for a bit of extra texture and wow factor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert. At holiday gatherings, I often serve them alongside spiced hot chocolate—it’s an unbeatable combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on tiered cupcake stands with fresh flowers and colorful napkins for a festive look. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming party favor that guests adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cookies stay surprisingly fresh, but I recommend adding a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft if you aren’t planning to finish them quickly.
Freezing
I usually freeze the cookie dough balls before baking—they thaw in the fridge overnight and bake perfectly the next day. You can also freeze fully baked cookies layered with parchment paper inside an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies, I warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes—this softens the cookie slightly and revives that fresh-baked flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, blueberry, or any favorite flavor you have on hand. Just choose jams that are not too runny for the best results.
Yes! Simply substitute the butter for a quality dairy-free alternative and ensure your jam is free from animal-derived ingredients. I’ve tried this myself and it works wonderfully.
I like to use GFJules gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum for this recipe because it gives a great texture and flavor. Other blends with xanthan gum can work, but be mindful that the texture might vary slightly.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and tender for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing after baking works great.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simplicity with elegance and is truly accessible whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro. I hope you give it a try and enjoy sharing these delightful cookies as much as I do—each bite is a little celebration!
Print
Gluten-Free Raspberry Jam Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these festive Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies featuring almond-flavored shortbread sandwiched with raspberry jam. Perfectly crumbly with a hint of cinnamon, these charming cookies are ideal for holidays, Valentine's Day, or any special occasion. The recipe uses gluten-free flour and offers a simple, easy-to-follow process that yields 48 delicious cookies.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter or dairy-free butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups gluten free all purpose flour with xanathan gum (we used GFJules)
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Filling & Topping
- 1 cup raspberry jam or jam of choice
- ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, finely chopped almonds, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which makes rolling easier and results in better cookie shape.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out whole cookies and a smaller round cutter or decorative shape to cut out centers of half of the cookies for the jam window.
- Bake Cookies: Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread raspberry jam evenly on the flat side of whole cookies. Carefully top each with a cookie that has a cut-out center to create the sandwich.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for a classic Linzer cookie finish.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for holidays or any special occasion and can be halved easily to make about 24 cookies.
- Use dairy-free butter to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
- Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure smooth dough mixing.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and preventing spreading while baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Feel free to substitute raspberry jam with apricot or strawberry for different flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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