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
Scale
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
