If you have been searching for a charming and delightful treat to add a special touch to your dessert table, the Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, almond-infused cookies filled with luscious chocolate spread are not only a feast for the eyes but also a perfect balance of rich flavors and delicate textures. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion, a loved one, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, this recipe brings warmth and joy to every bite, making it an instant favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with simple ingredients that combine effortlessly to create those perfectly tender and flavorful cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—like the almond extract that adds a fragrant note, and the ground almonds that give the cookie its signature nuttiness and texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the perfect cookie texture.
- Large egg yolk (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness without making the dough too heavy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm and inviting aroma that complements the chocolate filling.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the almond flavor for that authentic Linzer cookie taste.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the cookie’s structure.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the cookie’s flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warm spice that pairs beautifully with chocolate and almonds.
- Finely ground almonds or almond flour (1/2 cup): Gives those cookies their characteristic nutty crunch and tender crumb.
- Chocolate spread (1/2 cup, such as Nutella or melted semi-sweet chocolate): The gooey, irresistible filling that makes these cookies extra special.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a fairy-tale finish and a touch of elegance.
How to Make Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this ensures your cookies will have that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it; these bring a lovely depth of flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and finely ground almonds. Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, blending until just combined. This is the heart of your cookie base, and careful mixing will keep the texture just right.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a flat disc. Wrapping them in plastic wrap before chilling helps the dough firm up, which makes rolling and cutting much easier. Be patient with this step and chill for at least one hour—this resting time enhances flavor and ensures the dough is manageable.
Step 3: Cut Out the Cookies
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. For half of these, use a smaller heart cutter to create a cut-out center which will showcase the chocolate filling once assembled. Repeat this with the second disc of dough. This is where the classic Linzer cookie look begins to shine.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Place your cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Keep a close eye so they don’t over-bake—the goal is lightness and tenderness, not crispness. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Step 5: Assemble with Chocolate Filling
Spread about a teaspoon of your chocolate spread on the flat side of each whole cookie. Then gently press the cookie with the heart cut-out on top, creating a beautiful sandwich that reveals just the right amount of chocolate. Finally, dust the tops with powdered sugar for that irresistible bakery-style finish.
How to Serve Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar dusting is classic, feel free to sprinkle some chopped toasted almonds or a light drizzle of melted chocolate for added texture and extra indulgence. Fresh raspberries placed alongside the cookies not only add vibrant color but also a complementary tartness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a warm cup of your favorite tea, fresh brewed coffee, or even a glass of milk to balance the chocolate richness. For a festive touch, pair them with creme anglaise or a simple berry compote for dipping and extra flavor layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe in a decorative tin or a rustic wooden box as a gift. You can also stack them tied with a satin ribbon for a charming dessert centerpiece or arrange them on a tiered cake stand sprinkled with edible flowers for a lovely party display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their freshness. The chocolate filling remains creamy and the cookies stay tender without losing their signature nuttiness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, freeze the fully assembled cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours—the texture and flavor hold up beautifully to freezing.
Reheating
To bring back a bit of that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop the cookies in a low 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft or cause the chocolate filling to melt excessively.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with another type of nut flour?
Yes, you can use hazelnut or cashew flour, although the flavor will change subtly. Almond flour is traditional and gives the best classic texture and taste for Linzer cookies.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
A round or any other shape cookie cutter works perfectly fine. The heart shape adds a charming touch, especially for special occasions, but the taste will be just as delicious regardless.
Can I use jam instead of chocolate filling?
Absolutely! Raspberry or apricot jam are classic fillings for Linzer cookies and pair wonderfully with the nutty dough if you want a fruitier option.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the butter and helps prevent spreading during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld and results in a more tender cookie.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe uses no meat products, making it a great vegetarian-friendly treat.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely encourage you to try this Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe because it not only makes a stunning treat but also fills your kitchen with warmth and inviting aromas. With its classic charm and a luscious chocolate heart, it’s a cookie that sparks joy and creates beautiful memories, one delicious bite at a time.
Print
Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 filled cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling, featuring a tender almond-spiced buttery dough sandwiched with rich chocolate spread and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfectly shaped hearts make them a charming dessert for Valentine’s or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
Filling and Decoration
- 1/2 cup chocolate spread (such as Nutella or melted semi-sweet chocolate)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, incorporating it fully.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and finely ground almonds to ensure even distribution of spices and nuts.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overworking.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc shape, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Roll and cut cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disc to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out full cookies. On half of these cookies, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center, creating the traditional Linzer cookie tops. Repeat this process with the second dough disc.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool completely: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before handling to prevent breakage.
- Assemble cookies: Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of chocolate filling onto the flat side of each whole cookie. Place the cut-out heart cookies on top, gently pressing together to form a sandwich.
- Finish and serve: Dust the assembled cookie tops generously with powdered sugar for a classic Linzer appearance before serving.
Notes
- For variety, substitute the chocolate filling with raspberry jam or caramel for a different flavor profile.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
