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
Scale
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.
