Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
If you’re searching for a sweet treat that combines elegance with a touch of homely comfort, this Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe is your new best friend. These charming heart-shaped delights bring together a tender, buttery cookie infused with warm cinnamon and almond, sandwiched with a rich, luscious chocolate filling. They’re as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate, perfect for impressive gifting or cozy moments with loved ones. Every bite melts with just the right balance of nutty texture and chocolaty indulgence, making these cookies a standout any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you — each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in crafting the perfect Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe. From the creaminess of butter to the hint of spice from cinnamon, these staples come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s both delicate and flavorful.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping it crisp up nicely on the edges.
- Large egg yolk (1): Provides moisture and binds the dough for just the right texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base structure, yielding that classic buttery cookie feel.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy warmth that’s comforting and aromatic.
- Finely ground almonds or almond flour (1/2 cup): Brings a gentle nutty flavor and crumbly texture essential to Linzer cookies.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread or melted dark chocolate (1/2 cup): The luscious filling that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Gives a delicate, snowy finish that looks festive and tastes slightly sweet.
How to Make Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy—that’s the foundation for a tender cookie. Then mix in your egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and ground almonds. This ensures that the flavorful spices and nuts are evenly distributed throughout your dough for that classic Linzer cookie taste.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together gently. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic, and chill for at least one hour – this step is crucial for easier rolling and perfect shaping.
Step 4: Cut Out the Cookies
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to roughly 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut as many cookies as possible. For half of them, use a smaller cutter to create a cute window in the center—the signature touch of Linzer cookies.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them just turning golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the filling won’t melt.
Step 6: Assemble the Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread or melted dark chocolate evenly on the whole heart cookies, then carefully press the windowed cookies on top. Finally, dust the completed sandwich cookies with powdered sugar for that elegant finishing touch.
How to Serve Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar and perhaps a few festive red or pink sprinkles for a pop of color and cheer. A light drizzle of white chocolate can also boost the visual appeal and add a hint of extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a delicate herbal tea. For a special occasion, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the nutty and chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these beauties in a charming gift box with a red ribbon for an impressive homemade gift. Arrange them on a pretty tiered cookie stand during holiday parties or romantic dinners. You could even sandwich garnishes like edible flowers or tiny chocolate chips around the edges for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, preserving both the crunch of the cookies and the smoothness of the chocolate filling.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze the baked cookies (before filling) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a tightly sealed freezer bag. When ready, thaw completely, then add the chocolate filling. This keeps your cookies tasting freshly baked.
Reheating
Since these are delicate sandwich cookies, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, briefly warm them in a low oven (about 275°F) for 3 to 5 minutes, but be careful to avoid melting the filling.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with another nut flour?
Absolutely! Hazelnut flour or finely ground pecans can work nicely too, adding their own unique twist to the classic Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe.
Is it possible to use a different filling?
Yes! While chocolate hazelnut spread is traditional and delicious, you can also try raspberry jam, caramel, or a flavored ganache for a creative spin that suits your taste buds.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking when rolling out the dough?
Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin, and if the dough starts to warm up from your hands, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
What makes Linzer cookies different from regular sandwich cookies?
The ground nuts and the cut-out “window” in the top cookie give Linzer cookies their charming look and delicate texture, along with a unique blend of flavors that make them stand out.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your almond flour is gluten-free as well. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly different, but just as tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe is a delightful way to add a touch of homemade charm and delicious flavor to any occasion. Once you master this recipe, you’ll love how easily these cookies come together and how beautifully they impress. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, invite someone special to join you, and enjoy baking these timeless treats together!
Print
Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Linzer Heart Cookies with a luscious chocolate filling, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Featuring a tender almond-spiced dough sandwiched with creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, these Austrian-American inspired treats are dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
Filling
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread or melted dark chocolate
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and finely ground almonds or almond flour to ensure even distribution of spices and nuts.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overworking to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which makes rolling and cutting easier.
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and cut cookies: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out cookies. For half the hearts, use a smaller cutter to cut a window in the center, creating the classic Linzer sandwich cookie look.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely on wire racks before assembling.
- Assemble the cookies: Spread a generous layer of chocolate hazelnut spread or melted chocolate on the bottoms of the whole heart cookies. Top each with a windowed cookie to create the sandwich.
- Finish with powdered sugar: Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet and festive presentation before serving.
Notes
- Substitute Nutella, chocolate ganache, or melted chocolate chips for the filling according to preference.
- Cookies can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container; fill just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Decorate with red or pink sprinkles on top of the powdered sugar for a festive touch, ideal for Valentine’s Day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian-American
