The History of Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies, sometimes called “Linzer eyes” (or Linzer augen), are likely derived from the famous Linzer Torte. The cookies feature the same almond-flavored dough and jam filling, but introduce the addition of powdered sugar. We know that Countess Anna Margarita Sagramosa’s recipe for the Linzer torte dates back to 1653 as it is believed to be the oldest surviving cake recipe, so we know that the torte was around at least as far back as the 1650s. Cookies in general are thought to have originated during the 7th century as a way to test cake recipes on a smaller scale, so it’s possible that Linzer cookies were created as a way to test out methods for making Linzer Tortes, meaning that they likely showed up on the baking scene around the same time. Johann Konrad Vogel and Katherine Kress, a husband-and-wife baking team living in Austria, are thought to have popularized the cookies around 1822. Over the next few decades, Linzer cookies became popular in other countries like Germany, Switzerland, and England. Linzer Tortes were introduced to the United States by Austrian immigrants in the 1850s. One man named Franz Holzhulber began baking and selling Linzer Tortes in Wisconsin in the mid-19th century; historians believe that it was likely Holzhulber or another Austrian immigrant who introduced Linzer cookies around the same time. Today, Linzer cookies are popular in many parts of the world and are often baked for Christmas and other special occasions.