If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines classic charm with a vibrant twist, this Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, beautifully red cookies sandwich a luscious cream cheese filling, perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon zest and vanilla. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting to friends, or simply satisfying a craving, these cookies are a showstopper that bring warmth, color, and irresistible flavor to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe calls for simple ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and stunning ruby-red appearance. From the cocoa powder adding depth to the red velvet emulsion enhancing that signature flavor, every component matters.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for our cookies, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly.
- 1/4 cup superfine almond flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: Brings richness and a touch of chocolate complexity, essential for red velvet.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping create a light, fluffy dough.
- 1/3 cup vegan butter (or butter of choice): Provides richness and moisture to keep the cookies soft.
- 2 eggs: Bind the dough together, contributing to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- 2 tsp Red Velvet Emulsion: Infuses that unmistakable red velvet taste and adds to the vibrant color.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic hint.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures just the right amount of lift and lightness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor.
- 1/2 cup organic shortening (or butter): Key to a smooth, creamy filling with lovely structure.
- 1/2 cup softened cream cheese: Brings tang and creaminess to the filling, complementing the cocoa notes.
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the filling for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1/2 tsp fine lemon zest: Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich cream cheese filling.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A pretty finishing touch that adds elegance and sweetness.
- Heart cookie cutter: Essential for shaping those festive and charming cookies.
- Small fondant heart cutter or shape of choice: To create the classic Linzer cookie tops with a peekaboo window.
- Parchment paper & baking sheets: Needed for hassle-free baking and clean-up.
- Piping bag: For neatly filling your cookies with luscious cream cheese frosting.
- Rolling pin: To roll your dough perfectly even at 1/4 inch thick for uniform cookies.
How to Make Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Begin by beating vegan butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, turning a beautiful pale yellow. This aeration is key for tender cookies. Scrape down the sides to ensure every bit is mixed well. Then add eggs, red velvet emulsion, and vanilla extract, blending until fully smooth. Next, gradually incorporate your flour mixture composed of all-purpose flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the dough just comes together and no dry flour remains. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it clings to your paddle.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your rolling surface and rolling pin with flour or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using your heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out approximately two dozen hearts. For half of these, use a smaller cutter to create a little shape in the center to act as the window for the Linzer style. This adds both a visual and textural delight once filled.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Arrange cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake in a preheated oven for about 5 minutes. This short baking time ensures the cookies remain soft and tender rather than crisp. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely before proceeding. This keeps them from breaking when filled and stacked.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Whisk together the softened cream cheese, organic shortening, confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the filling is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Transfer this luscious frosting into a piping bag for precise application.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Pipe an even amount of cream cheese filling onto the solid cookie bases, then gently sandwich with the cutout cookie tops. The little window shows off the creamy, tangy filling beneath, making these cookies as gorgeous as they are delicious. Finally, dust the assembled cookies lightly with powdered sugar, lending an elegant snowy finish.
How to Serve Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Perfectly finished Red Velvet Linzer Cookies can be garnished with a light dusting of powdered sugar or, for a special touch, some finely chopped pistachios or edible gold flakes. These subtle additions elevate the cookies visually and add a delightful textural contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of rich coffee or creamy, lightly sweetened chai tea to complement the cocoa and cream cheese flavors. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside berry preserves or fresh raspberries which echo the red velvet theme beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Red Velvet Linzer Cookies on a tiered cake stand with a sprinkling of fresh edible flowers for a festive party. Alternatively, stack them in a clear glass jar layered with ribbons for an adorable edible gift. Using colorful cellophane bags tied with satin ribbons also adds a charming personal touch if you’re delivering these sweet treats to loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and assembled, store your Red Velvet Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the filling from drying out, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them after baking but before filling. Lay the cookie bottoms and tops separately on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature and fill just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature. If preferred warm, gently microwave assembled cookies for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to melt the filling completely. This brief warming brings out the cream cheese notes while preserving the cookie’s tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter in this Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular butter works wonderfully and will produce a rich, classic flavor. The recipe is flexible to accommodate your preference or dietary needs without sacrificing taste or texture.
What if I don’t have red velvet emulsion?
If you don’t have red velvet emulsion, you can substitute with a mix of vanilla extract and a bit of red food coloring plus a hint of cocoa powder to mimic the flavor profile. The emulsion, however, is specifically designed to give that authentic red velvet aroma and depth.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
You can experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and almond flour; just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain structure. The texture might vary slightly, but they should still be delicious!
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too sticky when rolling out the dough?
Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin, and chill the dough for about 15-20 minutes beforehand. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and less likely to stick or tear during rolling and cutting.
Can I use other fillings besides cream cheese?
Of course! While the cream cheese filling is classic and complementary, you can try raspberry jam, chocolate ganache, or even a flavored buttercream for a new twist on the traditional Linzer cookie experience.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe is one of those comforting yet eye-catching delights that instantly brighten up any day or celebration. With tender, cocoa-kissed cookies and smooth, zesty cream cheese filling, these sandwiches are a treat you’ll happily bake over and over. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend to help, and enjoy every warm, sweet bite!
Print
Red Velvet Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (12 sandwiches) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Red Velvet Linzer Cookies featuring a tender, cocoa-infused dough filled with luscious cream cheese frosting, dusted with powdered sugar, and shaped into adorable hearts—perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat any day.
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
To Finish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Tools
- 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 or until the mixture turns pale yellow. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing. Beat in the eggs, red velvet emulsion, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Gradually add the combined flour mixture of all-purpose flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, mixing on medium speed until the dough comes together. If sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until pliable and manageable.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour the rolling pin and work surface or parchment paper. Roll the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out approximately two dozen cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller fondant heart cutter or your preferred shape to cut out the center, creating a window for the filling.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cutout cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to achieve soft cookies. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent breakage.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, organic shortening (or butter), confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until creamy and smooth. Transfer the filling into a piping bag for easy application.
- Assemble the cookies: Pipe a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the whole cookies. Top each with the corresponding cutout cookie, pressing gently to form a sandwich. Arrange the assembled cookies on a serving platter.
- Finish and serve: Lightly dust the assembled Linzer cookies with powdered sugar for a delicate, festive touch. Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is not too sticky before rolling out; add flour gradually if needed to prevent sticking.
- For best results, chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft before cutting shapes.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Cookies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- The cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before assembling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
