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Hungarian Shortbread (Linzer Kifli) – A Buttery, Jam-Filled Delight

Hungarian shortbread (Linzer Kifli or Linzer Sütemény) is a melt-in-your-mouth buttery cookie filled with jam (traditionally apricot or raspberry) and dusted with powdered sugar. Unlike traditional shortbread, it’s crumbly, tender, and slightly tangy thanks to the jam filling.

🍪 What Makes Hungarian Shortbread Unique?

✔ Buttery & crumbly – Made with high-fat butter for a delicate texture.
✔ Jam-filled – Apricot (barack) or raspberry (málna) are classic choices.
✔ Powdered sugar dusting – Gives a sweet, snowy finish.
✔ Often crescent-shaped – But can also be round or rectangular.

📜 Traditional Hungarian Shortbread (Linzer Kifli) Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

250g (2 sticks + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold & cubed

250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
100g (¾ cup) powdered sugar (+ extra for dusting)
1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

150g (½ cup) apricot or raspberry jam (thick, high-quality)

Optional:

50g (½ cup) ground walnuts or almonds (for extra texture)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a food processor, pulse flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Add cold butter cubes and pulse until crumbly.

Mix in egg yolk & vanilla until dough just comes together.
Chill 30 mins (to prevent spreading).

2. Shape & Fill

Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then flatten slightly.

Place ½ tsp jam in the center.
Fold into crescents (or leave round).

3. Bake

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Bake 12-15 mins until pale golden (not brown!).

4. Finish

Cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar.

💡 Expert Tips

✔ Keep butter cold – Ensures flaky texture.
✔ Don’t overbake – Should stay pale for tenderness.
✔ Use thick jam – Prevents leaking.
✔ Variations:

Add lemon zest to dough for brightness.
Dip half in melted chocolate for extra decadence.

🇭🇺 How Hungarians Serve Shortbread

With coffee or tea as an afternoon treat.

During Christmas & holidays (often with walnut filling).
As a gift in decorative tins.

Would you try the classic apricot or another jam? 😊

(Fun fact: Similar cookies exist in Austria as “Linzer Augen”!)