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Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are a delightful and elegant treat, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or any time you want to impress with a beautiful homemade dessert. These heart-shaped Linzer cookies feature a buttery, almond-flavored dough that’s sandwiched with a sweet, fruity jam and topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. The result is a delicious combination of crispy, tender cookies and sweet jam that makes every bite feel like a special moment.

Equipment

  • Heart-shaped cookie cutter: To shape the cookies into hearts.
  • Round cookie cutter or small heart-shaped cutter: To cut out the center of the cookies for the jam filling.
  • Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar together.
  • Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough.
  • Baking sheets: For placing the cookies on while baking.
  • Parchment paper: For lining the baking sheets to prevent sticking.
  • Wire rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.
  • Sifter: For dusting the powdered sugar on top.

Ingredients

  • For the Cookies:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup ground almonds or almond meal
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract optional
  • For the Jam Filling:
  • 1/2 cup raspberry jam or strawberry, apricot, or your preferred fruit jam
  • For the Finishing:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  • Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  • For half of the cookies, use a smaller round cutter (or small heart cutter) to cut out the center of each cookie to create a window for the jam filling.
  • Step 3: Bake the Cookies
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
  • Once the cookies have cooled, spread a thin layer of jam on the flat side of the whole heart-shaped cookies.
  • Dust the cookies with the cut-out centers with powdered sugar using a sifter.
  • Carefully place the powdered sugar-topped cookies on top of the jam-covered cookies to create a sandwich.
  • Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
  • Let the jam set for a few minutes before serving to ensure the cookies hold together.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.