Description
Heart Linzer Cookies are a type of sandwich cookie characterized by a cutout shape on the top cookie layer, revealing a burst of jam in the center. Traditionally, Linzer cookies use almond flour for a subtle nutty flavor, but they’re equally delicious with finely ground nuts of choice or even a gluten-free flour blend. The classic form includes two cookie layers: one solid bottom and one with a heart-shaped hole at the center. Once baked, the bottom is smothered in jam—commonly raspberry or strawberry—then crowned with the cutout cookie and dusted generously with powdered sugar. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of buttery shortbread, sweet-tart jam, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup (80g) powdered sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, but traditional)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) finely ground almonds or almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Assembly:
- 1/2 cup (160g) raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add egg yolks, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
- Add flour, ground almonds, and salt. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Divide dough in half, shape into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Roll and Cut:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 2 inches/5cm wide) to cut out cookies. Place half the cookies on prepared sheets.
- Use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers of half the cookies (these will be the tops).
- Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more cookies as needed.
3. Bake:
- Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Assemble:
- Dust the tops (the cookies with the heart cutouts) with powdered sugar.
- Spread about 1/2 teaspoon jam on the bottom of each solid cookie.
- Gently sandwich with a powdered sugar-dusted top.
Notes
These Heart Linzer Cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a charming way to show a little love! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because. Try using different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry to make them uniquely yours. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tender.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Keywords: Heart Linzer Cookies Recipe