Linzer dough 3–2–1: the easiest and most reliable recipe for buttery shortbread cookies recept

Name: Linzer dough 3–2–1: the easiest and most reliable recipe for buttery shortbread cookies
Prep time: 85 min
Cook time: 85 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 40
Ingredients: 300 g plain flour; 200 g cold butter; 100 g powdered sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (preferably from an organic lemon)

Easy to prepare
40 portions
85 minutes

Jan, 16. 12. 2025

Print recipe

This recipe has been tried and tested for generations. The dough is delicate, fragrant and, after resting, literally melts in your mouth.

Linzer dough in the 3–2–1 ratio is one of the best-known classics of Czech and Moravian households. Just remember three numbers – three parts flour, two parts butter and one part sugar – and you have the base of a perfectly tender dough that is suitable for Linzer cookies, cups, tartlets and small pastries.

For 40 portions

Ingredients

300 g plain flour
200 g cold butter
100 g powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon lemon zest (preferably from an organic lemon)

Preparation procedure

Dough preparation Into a bowl, add the flour, powdered sugar and lemon zest. Add the cold butter cut into cubes and the egg yolk. Quickly work into a smooth dough – ideally in a food processor, or by hand. It is important to work quickly so the butter does not warm up too much.
Chilling Shape the finished dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour. The dough will firm up and be easier to roll.
Shaping Roll the smoothed dough to a thickness of about 2 mm. Cut out any shapes – circles, stars, hearts.
Baking Transfer the shapes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in an oven preheated to 180 °C for about 8 minutes. Linzer cookies should remain pale with a golden edge.
Assembling After cooling, sandwich with your favorite jam (most often redcurrant). Let rest for several days so the flavors meld beautifully.

Quick recipe info

Servings: approx. 40 pieces of Linzer cookies

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Chilling time: 1 hour

Baking time: 8 minutes

Total time: approx. 1 hour 25 minutes

Conclusion

Linzer dough 3–2–1 is an immortal recipe that always succeeds. It’s easy to remember, quick to prepare and the result is reliably tender and fragrant. It tastes even better after resting, which makes it an ideal choice for Christmas cookie making as well as for quick sweet baking throughout the year.