Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

Name: Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup raspberry jam; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking, and these Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies have become a cherished favorite in my kitchen. The combination of buttery almond cookies with a sweet jam filling makes them irresistible. Each bite is a perfect balance of crunchy and chewy, and I often enjoy these with a cup of tea. They also make a wonderful gift for loved ones on special occasions, especially when presented in a lovely box. Try these for your next celebration, and you won't be disappointed!

Created by

Diana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:40:13.399Z

When I first tried making Linzer cookies, I was blown away by their beauty and taste. The heart shape adds a personal touch, making them perfect for gifting or sharing with friends. I've learned that chilling the dough is essential for a perfect hold when cutting out shapes, so don't skip that step!

In my experiments, I've found that using high-quality fruit preserves enhances the flavor immensely. My favorite is raspberry because it offers a wonderful tang that complements the sweet cookie. The process can be a bit time-consuming, but trust me, the results are always worth the effort!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Delicate almond flavor with a sweet jam center
Beautiful heart shape perfect for any occasion
Fun to make and share with friends and family

      

Mastering the Dough

The key to a successful Linzer cookie lies in the dough. When creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar, aim for a light and airy mixture. This process not only incorporates air for a fluffier texture but also helps to evenly distribute the sweetness. Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve this consistency; cold butter can lead to a dense dough that's hard to work with.

After your dough is mixed, it's crucial to chill it. The refrigeration time solidifies the butter, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you're short on time, try freezing the disks for about 15 minutes instead of refrigerating for 30. Just be cautious not to leave them in the freezer too long, or they will become too hard to cut.

Baking for Perfection

The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your cookies. Check them around the 10-minute mark; you’re looking for edges that are just beginning to turn golden. If you bake them for too long, the cookies will lose their delicate texture. Once removed from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent breakage.

For maximum freshness, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. However, you can also freeze the unfilled cookies for up to a month. Just be sure to employ parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. When ready to enjoy, you can fill them after defrosting so that the filling remains fresh and jammy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup almond flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

For the Filling

1 cup raspberry jam
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to have everything prepped before you begin baking.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your cookies:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the almond flour, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

Cut out a smaller heart shape in the center of half the cookies to create a window for the filling.

Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.

Assemble the Cookies

Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of raspberry jam on the whole cookies and top with the cut-out cookies. Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Enjoy your delicious Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider using different flavored jams or adding a sprinkle of zest for a twist. Ensure the dough is chilled enough to hold its shape during baking.

Raspberry Jam Alternatives

While raspberry jam is traditional for Linzer cookies, feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves. Apricot, strawberry, or even mixed berry jams can provide a unique twist to the flavor profile. Just ensure the jam you choose is not too runny, as a watery filling can lead to soggy cookies. For a more refined touch, you can use a homemade jam if you have time.

If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, consider making your own fruit filling by simmering fresh fruit with a sweetener of your choice, such as honey or maple syrup, until it thickens. This will allow you to control the sweetness and make it more vibrant in flavor.

Creative Variations

To add an extra layer of flavor, consider infusing your dough with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. A small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) can add a warm, comforting note that complements the nutty almond flavor beautifully. Additionally, experimenting with different nuts such as hazelnuts or walnuts in place of almond flour could yield equally delightful results.

For a stunning presentation, you can also dip the edges of the filled cookies in melted chocolate and let them set before dusting with powdered sugar. This not only adds a delicious chocolatey layer but also enhances the visual appeal, making your heart-shaped cookies even more special for gifting or serving at gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any fruit preserve you enjoy, such as apricot or strawberry.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out.

→ What if I don't have almond flour?

You can substitute almond flour with additional all-purpose flour, but the flavor will be slightly different.