Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These charming cookies, filled with sweet fruit preserves, make a stunning addition to any dessert table, especially for Valentine’s Day. Their heart shape not only looks appealing but also symbolizes love and affection, making them a perfect gift for loved ones. With a combination of almond flour and all-purpose flour, these cookies have a unique texture and flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore these Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies. First, they are visually stunning, making them a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Second, the flavor combinations are endless, allowing you to experiment with various jams and preserves. Additionally, they are relatively easy to make, even for beginner bakers. You can also create gluten-free and nut-free variations to accommodate dietary restrictions. These cookies are not only delicious but also provide a fun activity for family bonding while decorating. Lastly, they make fantastic gifts, especially around Valentine’s Day and other special occasions.

Ingredients for Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies

Gather these items:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup ground almonds (or almond meal)
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup fruit preserves or jam (your choice)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, ground almonds, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should hold together without being sticky.
Step 6: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Step 8: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For half of the cookies, cut a smaller heart shape in the middle to create a window for the filling.
Step 9: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 10: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves or jam on the flat side of the solid heart-shaped cookies.
Step 12: Carefully place the cookies with cut-outs on top of the jam-covered cookies to form sandwiches.
Step 13: For a final touch, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Experiment with different fruit preserves for varied flavors.
To make gluten-free heart-shaped Linzer cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
For nut-free options, replace ground almonds with sunflower seed flour.

Best Ways to Serve Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For special occasions, consider presenting them on a decorative plate as part of a dessert table. They also make charming gifts when packaged in a lovely box with a ribbon, perfect for Valentine’s Day or birthdays.

How to Store and Reheat Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies

To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the assembled cookies for up to three months. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies?

The secret lies in chilling the dough before rolling it out, which helps maintain the shape during baking. Also, don’t skip the dusting of powdered sugar for that perfect sweet touch!

Can I make Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bake and assemble the cookies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough as recommended. Additionally, avoid overbaking; the cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft.

Variations of Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies You Can Try

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try using different flavored extracts such as orange or lemon for a citrusy kick. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. For a chocolate version, substitute some of the flour with cocoa powder. Finally, consider making these cookies vegan by using plant-based butter and a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

For more tips on baking cookies, you can check out Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies or Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies for delicious variations!

Additionally, if you’re interested in gluten-free options, visit Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies for a great recipe!

Heart Shaped Linzer Cookies: 10 Tips for Perfect Treats

Author: basmer
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, ground almonds, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should hold together without being sticky.
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For half of the cookies, cut a smaller heart shape in the middle to create a window for the filling.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves or jam on the flat side of the solid heart-shaped cookies.
Carefully place the cookies with cut-outs on top of the jam-covered cookies to form sandwiches.
For a final touch, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.