If you’re searching for a truly charming treat that combines buttery shortbread, rich chocolate, and a touch of nostalgia, look no further than Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling. These adorable sandwich cookies feature delicate heart cutouts, a decadent chocolate center, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, making them perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. Every bite is a celebration of almond-scented cookie and silky chocolate, and the best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role, creating a cookie that’s tender, flavorful, and impossibly tempting.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Powdered sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the dough while keeping it exceptionally smooth and tender.
- Egg yolk (1 large): Adds richness, binding the dough and contributing to that perfect crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with a welcoming, warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy yet delicate base of the cookies.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle spice that elevates the classic flavor profile.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every other ingredient, balancing sweetness and bringing out the almond notes.
- Almond flour (1/2 cup): Provides that unmistakable nutty flavor and tender texture characteristic of Linzer cookies.
- Semisweet or dark chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Create the luscious, not-too-sweet chocolate filling at the heart of each cookie.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Makes the chocolate filling extra smooth and spreadable.
- Extra powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a beautiful, snowy finish to the assembled cookies.
How to Make Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is key to creating cookies that are tender and airy, so don’t rush—let the mixer do its thing for a couple of minutes!
Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The yolk brings richness and structure, while the vanilla adds warmth and depth to the dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before you add it to the wet mixture, preventing pockets of flour or spice in your cookies.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as everything is combined for the most tender Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, shape each into a flat disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential; it makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut cookies, and for half of them, cut out a smaller heart from the center. Collect scraps, re-roll gently, and repeat with the second disk.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the cookies to the prepared sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack—this keeps them crisp and ready for filling.
Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Filling
Melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently, until smooth and glossy. Let the mixture cool slightly so it thickens enough to spread but stays silky.
Step 9: Assemble the Cookies
Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of chocolate filling onto the flat side of each solid cookie. Gently sandwich with a cookie that has a heart cutout, pressing lightly so the filling peeks through the window. Dust generously with powdered sugar for that classic Linzer finish.
How to Serve Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is the classic finish, but you can get creative by sprinkling a touch of edible glitter or adding a drizzle of extra melted chocolate over the tops. For a festive touch, consider a few crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a pop of color against the chocolate.
Side Dishes
Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling pair beautifully with a cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. If you’re serving these for a special gathering, add a platter of fresh berries or a bowl of vanilla ice cream to round out your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment for gifting, or stack them in glass jars with ribbon for a homemade touch. They look gorgeous on a cake stand for a Valentine’s Day brunch or nestled among other treats on a holiday cookie platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer parchment between the cookies to keep them pristine and prevent sticking or smudging.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months—just make sure they’re completely cool and separated by parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and fill with freshly made chocolate filling for best results.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’d like to refresh them, let them sit out for a few minutes after removing from storage, or briefly warm unfilled cookies in a low oven before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use a different filling instead of chocolate?
Absolutely! While the chocolate filling is divine, you can swap in raspberry jam, Nutella, or even white chocolate for a fun twist on Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling.
Do I need to use almond flour?
Almond flour gives these cookies their signature flavor and texture, but if you have a nut allergy, you can substitute with more all-purpose flour. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut without sticking. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring those crisp edges and perfect shapes.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming soggy?
Let the cookies cool completely before adding the filling, and store them in a dry, airtight container. If you’re making them ahead, assemble just before serving for the crispest results.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Yes! Use different sizes of heart-shaped cutters to create mini or jumbo versions. Just adjust the baking time slightly—smaller cookies may bake faster, while larger ones need an extra minute or two.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling enough—they’re a joy to bake, a delight to share, and truly unforgettable to eat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a loved one, or just to treat yourself, each bite is pure happiness. Give this recipe a try, and watch these heart-shaped beauties disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”
Print
Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Linzer Heart Cookies filled with rich chocolate, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Buttery, tender cookie layers with a hint of cinnamon sandwich a smooth chocolate filling, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Filling
- 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For Dusting
- Extra powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and airy texture. Then beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough just comes together, forming a smooth, pliable dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up and enhance flavor melding.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out whole cookies. Then use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers of half the cookies, creating the classic Linzer window.
- Bake Cookies: Transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on wire racks for best texture and handling.
- Make Chocolate Filling: Melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of chocolate filling on the bottom side of each solid heart cookie. Top with the cutout cookie and gently press together to sandwich the filling evenly.
- Dust and Serve: Lightly dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for a festive and elegant look. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For variety, try substituting the chocolate filling with white chocolate or Nutella for a delicious twist.
- Be careful not to roll the dough too thin to ensure the cookies hold their shape well during baking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting or sliding of the chocolate filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
