Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Linzer cookie, featuring a rich, nutty flavor and a luscious Nutella filling. These cookies are perfect for holidays, Valentineโs Day, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. With their buttery shortbread base and iconic heart-shaped cutout, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Special Occasions: These heart-shaped cookies make a stunning presentation.
- Rich and Decadent: The Nutella filling adds a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie.
- Customizable: You can switch up the fillings or shapes to suit your taste and the occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance or bake the cookies ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Ground almonds or almond flour
- Nutella (or your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually mix in the flour and ground almonds until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. For half the cookies, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to create cutouts.
- Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10โ12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Assemble the Cookies: Spread Nutella on the flat side of the solid cookies. Place a cutout cookie on top and press gently to sandwich.
- Dust with Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the assembled cookies for a classic look.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20 cookies (depending on cutter size).
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10โ12 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Jam-Filled Version: Substitute Nutella with raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Shape Variety: Try other shapes like stars or flowers for different occasions.
- Flavor Additions: Add a hint of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can gently warm them in a low oven (200ยฐF) for a few minutes to refresh them if needed.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
FAQs
What is the origin of Linzer cookies?
Linzer cookies originate from Austria and are a smaller version of the Linzer torte, a traditional almond pastry.
Can I use a different filling?
Yes, you can use jams, chocolate ganache, or any spread you like.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Replace the almond flour with additional all-purpose flour for a nut-free version.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge.
How do I ensure clean cookie cutouts?
Dip your cutters in flour and press firmly into the dough for clean edges.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure the dough is chilled and avoid overmixing the butter and sugar.
Can I freeze the assembled cookies?
Freezing assembled cookies is not recommended as the powdered sugar may dissolve and the Nutella could change texture.
What if I donโt have a heart-shaped cutter?
Use any shape cutter you like, or even a round cutter for a classic look.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies are a delightful treat that combines classic cookie elegance with a modern twist. Perfectly buttery with a decadent Nutella filling, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family. Whether youโre baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Happy baking!
Print
Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies are delightful, heart-shaped sandwich cookies featuring a buttery, nutty base filled with creamy Nutella. Theyโre perfect for special occasions like Valentineโs Day or any time you want to share a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Roll and Cut Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Repeat with the second disc of dough.
- Using a smaller heart-shaped cutter, cut out the centers of half of the cookies on the baking sheets. These will be the tops of the sandwich cookies.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Once cooled, spread a layer of Nutella on the flat side of each whole (bottom) cookie.
- Place the cookies with the cut-out centers (tops) over the Nutella-covered bottoms, pressing gently to sandwich them together.
- Finish with a Dusting:
- Lightly dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chilling the dough helps in maintaining the shape of the cookies during baking.
- Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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