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Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

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These Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Linzer cookies, featuring a rich, buttery almond cookie base filled with creamy Nutella. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, their heart shape and decadent flavor make them irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100 g) almond flour or finely ground almonds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 3/4 cup (200 g) Nutella (or other hazelnut spread)

For Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Add the Egg and Extracts:
    • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
  4. Mix the Dough:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
  5. Chill the Dough:
    • Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).

Roll and Cut the Cookies:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Roll Out the Dough:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness. Keep the other disk in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  3. Cut the Cookies:
    • Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as possible. For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the center, creating a “window.”
  4. Transfer to Baking Sheets:
    • Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake the Cookies:

  1. Bake:
    • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
  2. Cool:
    • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assemble the Cookies:

  1. Spread the Nutella:
    • Spread about 1 teaspoon of Nutella on the flat side of each solid cookie.
  2. Top with the “Window” Cookie:
    • Gently press a cookie with a cut-out center on top of each Nutella-covered cookie to create a sandwich.
  3. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
    • Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Storage: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Customize the Filling: Substitute Nutella with raspberry jam, strawberry preserves, or chocolate ganache for variety.