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
Scale
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
