Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling

There’s something truly magical about Linzer Heart Cookies—delicate, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. These heart-shaped beauties, with their signature jam-filled center, are already a treat for the eyes and taste buds, but add a rich, velvety chocolate filling and you’ve got a dessert that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just craving something special, these cookies are the perfect way to show some love. Trust me, once you bite into that buttery cookie, gooey chocolate, and hint of fruitiness, you’ll be hooked. And the best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!

Why You’ll Love Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling

Here’s why these Linzer Heart Cookies are going to become your new go-to treat:

• Perfectly Sweet & Buttery: These cookies are buttery with just the right amount of sweetness, creating the perfect balance with the rich chocolate filling. Every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth moment!
• Visually Stunning: With their cute heart shape and gorgeous chocolate filling peeking through the center, these cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or impressing guests at any occasion.
• Made for Love: These cookies are the ultimate dessert for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to share a sweet treat with someone special. But don’t worry, if you’re treating yourself, you’ll love every bite!
• Jammy & Chocolatey: A blend of raspberry (or your favorite fruit) jam and creamy chocolate—could there be a better combination? It’s a flavor match made in dessert heaven!
• Customizable: You can change up the jam flavor to suit your tastes. Raspberry is a classic, but strawberry, apricot, or even orange marmalade work wonderfully too!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these dreamy Linzer Heart Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: The key to that melt-in-your-mouth, tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: For the right amount of sweetness in the dough.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, sweet flavor that complements the butter so well.
• Almond Flour: This is the secret to a soft, slightly nutty flavor in the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving it structure.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.

For the Filling:

• Raspberry Jam: For the classic jammy center (or any fruit jam you love).
• Dark Chocolate: Rich, slightly bitter chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the jam.
• Heavy Cream: To make the chocolate filling smooth and creamy.
• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the chocolate filling and make it just the right consistency.

For Assembling:

• Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top for a classic, pretty finish.

Instructions

These cookies might take a little time to make, but trust me, the effort is so worth it!

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the dough just comes together.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilling makes it easier to roll out the dough and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the discs to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as you can. Then, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter (or any shape you like) to cut out the center of half of the cookies. This creates the “window” for your jam and chocolate filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cut-out cookies on the sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can brown quickly. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Filling

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the chocolate filling. In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Once melted, stir in the powdered sugar to sweeten the filling. Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature so it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Once your cookies are cool, spread a small amount of raspberry jam on the bottom of each whole cookie. Then, carefully spoon or pipe the chocolate filling on top of the jam. Place the cookies with the cut-out centers on top of the filled cookies to create the sandwich.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

For the finishing touch, dust the top of the cookies with powdered sugar. This gives them that classic, elegant look and a bit of extra sweetness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling are ready to shine! Serve them on a pretty plate and watch as everyone falls in love with these buttery, jammy, chocolatey delights.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cookies
Calories per serving: Varies based on filling and cookie size

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling)

How to Serve Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, but here are a few ideas to take them up a notch:

• Valentine’s Day Treat: Perfect for sharing with your special someone or giving as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Tea Party Favorite: Serve them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon treat.
• Gift-Worthy: These cookies make a beautiful and delicious gift. Arrange them in a gift box or jar with a festive ribbon for an extra special touch.
• Party Dessert: These cookies are sure to be a hit at any party. Their heart shape makes them extra fun for celebrations!

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the cookies and the chocolate filling ahead of time! Just store the cookies in an airtight container and the filling in the fridge. Assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since the chocolate is such an important part of the filling, opt for a high-quality dark chocolate to get the richest, most delicious flavor.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to swap out the raspberry jam for other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a different twist.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as gently as possible to avoid tough cookies. The more you work the dough, the less tender the cookies will be.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A1: You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, but keep in mind the texture may be a little different.

Q2: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A2: Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier filling, but it works just as well. Adjust the powdered sugar to your taste if you’re using milk chocolate.

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate until you’re ready to roll it out.

Q4: How do I make sure the chocolate filling is smooth?
A4: Be sure to heat the chocolate and cream slowly in short intervals to avoid overheating the chocolate. Stir it well after each heating to ensure it’s completely smooth.

Q5: Can I freeze these cookies?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies without the filling for up to 2 months. Just assemble them with the jam and chocolate filling when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A6: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend has xanthan gum in it for the right texture.

Q7: Can I use store-bought jam?
A7: Yes! You can absolutely use store-bought jam. Just choose a high-quality fruit jam for the best flavor.

Q8: How do I prevent the jam from spilling out of the cookie?
A8: Don’t overfill the jam, and ensure the chocolate filling covers the jam to hold it in place when you sandwich the cookies together.

Q9: Can I use a different shape besides hearts?
A9: Definitely! While hearts are classic, you can use any shape you like—circles, stars, or even festive shapes depending on the season.

Q10: How can I make the chocolate filling thicker?
A10: If you prefer

a thicker chocolate filling, reduce the amount of heavy cream or refrigerate the chocolate filling for 30 minutes before using it.

Conclusion

These Linzer Heart Cookies with Chocolate Filling are the ultimate treat for any occasion, offering a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. With their buttery cookies, fruity jam, and rich chocolate center, they are sure to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply indulging in a special dessert, these cookies are a sweet way to spread the love!

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