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: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup ground almonds; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup raspberry jam; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies, especially around special occasions. The combination of buttery, nutty dough sandwiched with raspberry jam creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing. The aesthetic appeal adds a special touch that makes them great gifts for loved ones. I find that using high-quality ingredients really makes a difference in flavor. This recipe captures everything I adore about baking—creating something beautiful and delicious all at once.

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2026-01-07T12:01:21.891Z

While experimenting in the kitchen last week, I decided to elevate our classic Linzer Cookies with a heart shape for a whimsical touch. As I rolled out the dough, the wonderful aroma of butter and ground almonds filled the air, reminding me of my grandmother’s recipes. This cookie has a special allure, especially when you see the raspberry jam peeking through.

After a few batches, I discovered that letting the cookies cool completely before spreading the jam ensures that they hold their shape and don’t get soggy. Using a food processor not only speeds up the process but also creates a wonderfully even dough that bakes perfectly. Trust me, these cookies are a joy to make and even more delightful to eat!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        A beautiful presentation with a delicious contrast of flavors
Crunchy exterior with a soft, jam-filled center
Perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness in every bite

      

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality butter and fresh, pure extracts is essential for achieving the optimal flavor profile in your Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies. The butter should be softened to room temperature, which enhances its ability to cream with the sugar effectively, resulting in a light and airy dough. Additionally, opting for pure almond and vanilla extracts over imitation versions will elevate the depth of flavor, giving your cookies a more authentic taste that makes them truly special.

When selecting your almond flour, choose finely ground almonds, as this contributes to the desired texture of the cookies. Coarse almond flour can result in a gritty texture, which might be less pleasant in mouthfeel. If you prefer, hazelnut flour is a delicious alternative that pairs beautifully with raspberry jam, creating a slightly different flavor profile, yet maintaining that nutty essence that is characteristic of Linzer cookies.

Perfecting the Cookie Texture

To ensure your cookies maintain their shape during baking, take care not to overwork the dough once the flour is added. Mix just until combined; the dough should be soft yet manageable. Avoid the temptation to add extra flour, as this could lead to a tougher cookie. After chilling, your dough should roll out easily, and if it crumbles, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to warm slightly before rolling again.

Baking at the right temperature is crucial. Preheat your oven thoroughly to 350°F (175°C) and make sure the cookies are spaced evenly on the baking sheet. A properly preheated oven helps create those golden edges and ensures even baking. For best results, check the cookies around the 12-minute mark, as they can go from perfectly golden to overbaked quickly. They should be lightly golden at the edges and still soft in the center when you remove them.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored, making them perfect for holiday baking or special occasions. Once assembled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing the baked cookies without the jam. Layer them between parchment paper in a sealable bag, and they can last for up to three months. Simply thaw and add the jam before serving.

If you're planning to serve these cookies at an event or as gifts, consider making them a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Dusting with powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant finish and helps to keep the cookies looking fresh. For an added twist, feel free to experiment with different jams or even chocolate spread for variations that still honor the traditional Linzer cookie charm.

Ingredients for Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

For the Cookies

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup ground almonds
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

½ cup raspberry jam
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Gather your ingredients and let's get baking!

Instructions for Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll out.

Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the center of half of the cookies.

Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Assemble the Cookies

Spread raspberry jam on the solid cookies and place the cut-out cookies on top, creating a sandwich. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy Your Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies!

Pro Tips

Try using different flavors of jam like apricot or strawberry for a unique twist. Also, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for an aromatic touch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to the butter being too warm or not chilling the dough adequately. Always ensure the dough is firm before rolling it out, and if needed, return it to the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes. If the dough sticks while rolling, use parchment paper to prevent sticking and reduce the flour you may need to add.

Another common issue is the cookies becoming too dry. This may arise from overbaking or too much flour in the dough. To check for doneness, look for lightly golden edges and a soft center. If you do overbake, a simple remedy is to sandwich them with jam promptly after baking to add moisture.

Serving Suggestions

These Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies are not just beautiful but versatile. They can be served as a charming dessert at a tea party or packaged as thoughtful gifts. Pairing them with a warm cup of tea or coffee accentuates their nutty, sweet flavors and complements the tartness of the raspberry jam, creating a delightful balance.

For a special touch, consider stacking the cookies in decorative boxes or wrapping them in cellophane tied with a ribbon. This presentation elevates the gift-giving experience and shows extra thoughtfulness. Additionally, try presenting them on a beautiful platter with fresh berries for a stunning display at any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts in the dough?

Yes, you can substitute ground walnuts or hazelnuts for the ground almonds.

→ How long can I store these cookies?

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! The baked cookies can be frozen without the jam for up to three months. Just thaw and add the filling when you're ready to serve.

→ What type of jam is best for filling?

Raspberry is traditional, but feel free to experiment with any flavor you love, like blueberry or cherry!