If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring a little romance and elegance to your baking, the Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe is a delightful treat you absolutely need to try. These charming heart-shaped cookies, filled with luscious chocolate, combine a tender, nutty almond-flavored dough with a silky chocolate center that melts in your mouth. Every bite offers a perfect balance of crumbly sweetness and rich cocoa, making these cookies a stunning choice for special occasions or a heartfelt gift. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so wonderfully irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling, you’ll work with simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a vital role in texture, flavor, and that classic Linzer charm, ensuring your cookies have both crunch and softness with a luscious chocolate kiss inside.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of your cookie dough, providing structure and that perfect crumbly texture.
- Ground almonds (1/2 cup): Adds a tender, nutty flavor that is signature to Linzer cookies, also helping to keep the cookies moist.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Essential for richness and a tender bite; soft butter blends more uniformly for a smooth dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens without overpowering and helps to create just the right crispness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder while adding moisture and a slight richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
- Almond extract (1/4 tsp): Enhances the almond notes and lifts the overall aroma.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and highlights flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 tsp): Provides a subtle spice to complement almond and chocolate perfectly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melts into the creamy filling, offering a rich, bittersweet contrast.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Whipped into the chocolate for that decadently smooth ganache filling.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Punctuates the chocolate filling with extra fragrant sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate dusting that adds a touch of elegance and festive flair.
How to Make Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Begin by mixing together the flour, ground almonds, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl so all the dry ingredients are well combined. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s pale and fluffy—this step is key for a tender crumb. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until just combined. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, to keep the dough tender. Wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes to make rolling out easier.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of cookies. For half of these cookies, carefully cut a smaller heart in the center to create the signature Linzer “window.” Place your cookies on lined baking sheets and chill again for about 15 minutes; this helps them hold their shape during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Keep a close eye as they can brown quickly. Let them cool completely on wire racks before assembling, ensuring your cookies stay firm and the filling stays silky.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Filling
While cookies cool, prepare the chocolate filling. Warm the heavy cream gently in a small saucepan until it’s just simmering, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips placed in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute before stirring smoothly together. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the ganache is glossy and rich.
Step 5: Assemble the Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Spoon or pipe a dollop of the chocolate ganache onto the whole cookie bases. Gently press a cookie with the heart-shaped cutout on top, aligning edges carefully so the chocolate filling shows through the little windows. For an extra special touch, dust the finished cookies lightly with powdered sugar to mimic a soft snow sprinkle, highlighting the cutouts beautifully.
How to Serve Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate these already lovely cookies, consider sprinkling some finely chopped toasted almonds on top of the ganache before sandwiching, or dusting with a little cocoa powder in addition to powdered sugar. Fresh berries or edible flower petals nearby can also make your presentation flower with charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea like Earl Grey or a rich coffee latte. For a festive twist, serve alongside mulled wine or hot cocoa, perfect for cozy moments and sharing with loved ones.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe on a beautiful platter with doilies or rustic parchment paper. Stack them in clear jars tied with ribbons for sweet gifts, or place them in a tiered dessert stand surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or mint for color contrast and aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The chocolate ganache stays perfectly soft inside the sandwich, and the texture of the cookie remains delightfully tender.
Freezing
Freeze Linzer heart cookies either before or after assembling. To freeze before filling, separate layers with parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to fill or eat.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no need to reheat. If you prefer the ganache a bit softer, briefly warming the cookie for 5-7 seconds in a microwave will gently melt the chocolate filling without altering the cookie’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Absolutely! Almond flour is a perfect substitute and will give the dough the same tender texture and rich almond flavor that is signature to Linzer cookies.
What if I don’t have heart-shaped cookie cutters?
No worries! Any cookie cutter shape will work, though hearts are classic for this recipe. You can even cut out small circles or stars for a fun twist while still following the same assembly method.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute, a flax or chia egg, and dairy-free chocolate chips with coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the ganache. It requires some adjustments but still results in delicious cookies.
How long should I chill the dough for best results?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial to prevent spreading during baking and to make rolling and cutting much easier. If you have more time, an hour or overnight in the refrigerator will deepen the flavors and improve texture.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?
Sure! Milk chocolate will make a sweeter filling, while dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate will give a more intense, sophisticated flavor. Just make sure to balance it with the right amount of cream to keep it smooth.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe. From the tender almond-scented dough to the silky chocolate center, each cookie is a little bite of joy and warmth. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or treating yourself, these cookies bring a smile and a sense of celebration every time. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie!
Print
Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully buttery Linzer Heart Cookies filled with a rich chocolate ganache make a perfect treat for special occasions. These classic cookies combine almond-infused dough with a luscious chocolate filling, dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Chocolate Filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, salt, and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of cookies. On half of these, cut out smaller heart shapes in the center to create the ‘windows’. Place all cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Chocolate Filling: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread a small spoonful of the chocolate filling on the solid heart cookie bases. Top each with a heart-shaped cookie with the cut-out window, pressing gently to sandwich the layers together.
- Optional Dusting: Lightly dust the assembled Linzer heart cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and help maintain cookie shape during baking.
- You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract if preferred, though almond extract adds a traditional flavor.
- The chocolate filling can be warmed slightly if it thickens too much before spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
