Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are a delightful and elegant treat, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or any time you want to impress with a beautiful homemade dessert. These heart-shaped Linzer cookies feature a buttery, almond-flavored dough that’s sandwiched with a sweet, fruity jam and topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. The result is a delicious combination of crispy, tender cookies and sweet jam that makes every bite feel like a special moment.

Heart-shaped Linzer cookies are a beautiful variation of the traditional Austrian Linzer cookies. The classic recipe calls for a rich, almond-based dough that’s spiced with cinnamon and filled with jam. When shaped into hearts, they become the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any celebration of love. The cookies are not only visually stunning, but the flavor is equally impressive – buttery, nutty, and just sweet enough to be irresistible.

These heart-shaped Linzer cookies are easy to make at home, and the end result is both charming and delicious. The bright red jam filling, often raspberry or strawberry, contrasts beautifully with the light cookie dough and makes them the perfect choice for gifting or serving at a festive dessert table.

When you make these heart-shaped Linzer cookies, you can look forward to a combination of rich, buttery almond dough and a sweet, tangy jam center. The texture is delicate and melt-in-your-mouth, with a slight crunch around the edges, and the jam adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a show-stopping addition to any occasion.

Tools to Use

To make these heart-shaped Linzer cookies, you will need:

Heart-shaped cookie cutter: To shape the cookies into hearts.
Round cookie cutter or small heart-shaped cutter: To cut out the center of the cookies for the jam filling.
Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar together.
Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough.
Baking sheets: For placing the cookies on while baking.
Parchment paper: For lining the baking sheets to prevent sticking.
Wire rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.
Sifter: For dusting the powdered sugar on top.

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds (or almond meal)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

For the Jam Filling:

1/2 cup raspberry jam (or strawberry, apricot, or your preferred fruit jam)

For the Finishing:

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
For half of the cookies, use a smaller round cutter (or small heart cutter) to cut out the center of each cookie to create a window for the jam filling.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a thin layer of jam on the flat side of the whole heart-shaped cookies.
Dust the cookies with the cut-out centers with powdered sugar using a sifter.
Carefully place the powdered sugar-topped cookies on top of the jam-covered cookies to create a sandwich.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the jam set for a few minutes before serving to ensure the cookies hold together.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

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Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

Equipment

Heart-shaped cookie cutter: To shape the cookies into hearts.
Round cookie cutter or small heart-shaped cutter: To cut out the center of the cookies for the jam filling.
Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar together.
Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough.
Baking sheets: For placing the cookies on while baking.
Parchment paper: For lining the baking sheets to prevent sticking.
Wire rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.
Sifter: For dusting the powdered sugar on top.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds or almond meal
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract optional
For the Jam Filling:
1/2 cup raspberry jam or strawberry, apricot, or your preferred fruit jam
For the Finishing:
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
For half of the cookies, use a smaller round cutter (or small heart cutter) to cut out the center of each cookie to create a window for the jam filling.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, spread a thin layer of jam on the flat side of the whole heart-shaped cookies.
Dust the cookies with the cut-out centers with powdered sugar using a sifter.
Carefully place the powdered sugar-topped cookies on top of the jam-covered cookies to create a sandwich.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the jam set for a few minutes before serving to ensure the cookies hold together.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Cooking

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for the best texture and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. If the dough feels too soft while rolling, return it to the fridge for a few more minutes.
Use High-Quality Jam: Choose a high-quality jam with a fruity, vibrant flavor for the best filling. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work particularly well.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges, but overbaking will result in a dry texture.
Sift the Powdered Sugar: To ensure an even dusting of powdered sugar on the top cookies, use a sifter. This gives the cookies a polished, professional look.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

These heart-shaped Linzer cookies are a wonderful treat that combines both beauty and flavor. The rich, almond-flavored dough and sweet, fruity jam create a delicious balance of textures and tastes. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or any special occasion. They’re easy to make, fun to assemble, and the results are always impressive. Plus, they’re versatile – you can switch up the jam flavor to suit your preferences!

Heart-shaped Linzer cookies are a delightful and elegant way to celebrate love and special moments. Whether you’re sharing them with a partner, friends, or family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories. With a simple dough, your favorite fruit jam, and a light dusting of powdered sugar, you can create a treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Happy baking, and enjoy these delicious heart-shaped cookies!