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Linzer Cookie Tart

Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated Nov 13, 2024
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Two classic Austrian sweets inspired this showstopping centerpiece dessert. First, there was the Linzer torte, the lattice-topped pastry filled with fruit preserves and nuts. Then came Linzer cookies, a smaller and simpler version of the larger, more complex predecessor. Our spin blends one characteristic from each: the simplicity of the cookies and the larger format of the torte—and there you have the Linzer Cookie Tart! It starts with a base of Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix that’s supplemented with some finely ground almonds for texture, plus lemon zest and a hint of cinnamon for flavor. The filling is done in two layers: a lemon-spiked cream cheese goes on first and, on top of that, raspberry jam. Pairing the two gives you a luscious, indulgent dessert that strikes the right balance between cookie and filling. Cut out a star from the top cookie layer of the tart so that everyone can get a view of the ruby-red raspberry jam ( psst … the cream cheese layer helps to make the red of the jam stand out more, too!). Just before you bring it to the table to oohs and aahs, sprinkle with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar—your guests will be joyful and you’ll feel triumphant.

Linzer Cookie Tart

  • Prep Time 25 min
  • Total 3 hr 45 min
  • Servings 8
  • Ingredients 11
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Ingredients

Cookie

  • 1 pouch (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix
  • Flour, butter and egg called for on cookie mix pouch for cutout cookies
  • 1/3 cup finely ground almonds
  • 4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Fillings

  • 4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam

Decoration

  • 1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    In large bowl, stir Cookie ingredients until well blended. Divide dough in half. Shape each piece into flattened round; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until dough is firm and cold.
  • Step 
    2
    Heat oven to 375°F. Line two large cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper; spray with cooking spray.
  • Step 
    3
    For top of cookie tart: Remove one piece of dough from refrigerator; place on center of cookie sheet. Using floured rolling pin, roll dough to 9-inch circle, 1/4 inch thick. Place 8-inch cake pan or bowl, top-side down, over dough, and lightly press into dough to mark an outline. Using small knife, cut around outline. Remove cake pan and any dough scraps from cookie sheet; set scraps aside. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until cookie is light golden brown and edge is set. Immediately cut out star from center using 4-inch star cutter. Gently lift out cutout using small knife to help if needed; discard or save for another use. Cool on cookie sheet 10 minutes. Remove to cooling rack, leaving cookie on cooking parchment paper.
  • Step 
    4
    For bottom of cookie tart: Remove remaining piece of dough from refrigerator, and repeat rolling and cutting steps on second cookie sheet. Combine leftover pieces of dough into ball; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate (see tip for using up). Repeat baking and cooling for cookie—except do not cut out star from bottom cookie. Cool both cookies completely, about 30 minutes.
  • Step 
    5
    When ready to serve, in small bowl, mix 4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon zest until blended. Remove cooking parchment paper from bottom cookie, and place on serving platter bottom side up for base. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cookie, leaving 1/2-inch border. In small bowl, place jam. Stir with whisk until smooth. Spread jam over cream cheese layer. Remove cooking parchment paper from top of cookie, and place on top of filled cookie base. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon powdered sugar over top cookie. Cut into wedges. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition

460 Calories
23g Total Fat
5g Protein
58g Total Carbohydrate
34g Sugars

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

  • tip 1

    Want to try your hand at a from-scratch version of this recipe? Betty’s easy Linzer Star Christmas Cookies recipe is the perfect place to start. We’ll show you how to go from dough to oven, step by step.
  • tip 2
    To use up leftover cookie dough, heat oven to 375°F. Remove cookie dough from refrigerator, and remove plastic wrap. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are set. Cool 2 minutes; remove ...
  • tip 3
    To quickly soften cream cheese, remove from wrapper, and place on microwavable plate; microwave uncovered on High about 15 seconds or just until softened.
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