Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies Recipe

The Most Adorable Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies Recipe Ever

Sweet chocolate dreams come alive with these delightful Nutella linzer heart cookies that sparkle with romance and charm.

Everyone who loves decadent treats will adore this playful dessert.

Cutting delicate heart shapes from buttery dough and filling them with rich, creamy spread.

Tender and elegant, these cookies promise to melt hearts at any gathering.

Romantic bakers can create something truly special with minimal ingredients and simple techniques.

The magic happens when you sandwich those perfect hearts together, revealing glimpses of dark chocolate goodness.

Surprise someone special and watch their face light up with pure joy.

What Makes Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies So Lovely

  • Create Heart-Melting Romance: These Nutella Linzer cookies transform classic baking into a delightful Valentine's Day or romantic dessert experience, featuring adorable heart-shaped designs that instantly spark joy and connection.
  • Indulge in Luxurious Textures: Enjoy a perfect balance of buttery, crisp cookie exterior with a smooth, rich Nutella center that melts in your mouth, creating a decadent sensory experience with every delicate bite.
  • Master Simple Gourmet Baking: This recipe offers an elegant yet approachable method for home bakers, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that deliver professional-looking results without complicated skills or expensive equipment.
  • Customize with Endless Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different extracts, swapping Nutella for other spreads, or using alternative cookie cutters to match any celebration or personal preference.

Must-Have Items For Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

Flour and Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Almond Flour: Provides structure and tender texture to the cookie, with almond flour adding a subtle nutty flavor. Choose high-quality, fresh flour for best results.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.
Fats and Sweeteners:
  • Butter: Gives rich flavor and creates a tender, crumbly texture. Use unsalted butter at room temperature for best mixing.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp cookie edge.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provides depth and aromatic flavor to the cookies. Almond extract is optional but recommended for extra flavor.
Filling and Topping:
  • Nutella: Creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread that creates a delicious filling between cookie layers. Choose a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds a decorative touch and light sweetness to the finished cookies. Sift for an even, delicate coating.

Easy Steps To Create Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks smooth and dreamy. In another bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Almond flour
  • Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a gorgeous cookie dough. Split the dough into two disks, wrap them up, and send them to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Shapes

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a flour-dusted surface, roll out your first dough disk super thin. Use heart-shaped cutters to create:
  • Solid heart cookies
  • Heart cookies with cute window centers

Transfer these lovely shapes onto your baking sheets, leaving a little breathing room between each cookie.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for those edges turning a beautiful golden color. Halfway through, give the sheets a quick spin for even baking. Once done, let cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Create Nutella Magic

Grab your cooled cookies and spread a generous layer of Nutella on the solid heart cookies. Gently place the window-cut cookies on top, creating adorable sandwich treats. For the final touch, dust with a snowfall of powdered sugar.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies – a sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Tips For Great Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

  • Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and maintain crisp heart shapes during baking.
  • Control Nutella Spread: Use a small offset spatula or piping bag for even, neat Nutella distribution between cookie layers.
  • Prevent Sticking: Dust work surface lightly with flour when rolling out dough to ensure smooth, easy cookie cutting without tearing.
  • Swap Nutella Alternatives: Replace Nutella with raspberry jam, almond butter, or cream cheese filling for dietary variations or different flavor profiles.
  • Ensure Crisp Edges: Let cookies cool completely before assembling to maintain structural integrity and prevent soggy texture.

How To Save Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies For Later

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Seal cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw Gently: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to maintain their delicate texture.
  • Restore Freshness: If cookies become slightly soft, crisp them up by placing them in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes before enjoying.

Best Pairings With Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: The rich, hazelnut Nutella and buttery cookie base beautifully complement the smooth espresso and frothy milk of a classic cappuccino, creating a decadent dessert experience.
  • Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: A chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti brings out the chocolate's sweetness while its light, fruity notes balance the cookie's richness, making each bite more delightful.
  • Enhance with Raspberry Liqueur: A small shot of raspberry liqueur amplifies the fruity undertones in the Nutella, adding a sophisticated twist to the delicate heart-shaped cookies.
  • Complement with Almond Milk: A cold glass of almond milk provides a subtle nutty backdrop that echoes the almond flour in the cookies, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Ways To Change Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies Up

  • Chocolate Chip Charm: Replace Nutella with chocolate chips melted with a touch of cream, creating a rich, gooey filling that adds extra chocolate depth to the heart-shaped cookies.
  • Raspberry Radiance: Swap Nutella for homemade raspberry jam, mixing in a hint of lemon zest to brighten the fruity spread and complement the buttery cookie base.
  • Almond Bliss Edition: Incorporate ground toasted almonds into the dough and fill with almond butter, enhancing the nutty flavor profile and adding a subtle crunch to each bite.
  • Coconut Cream Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the cookie dough and use coconut cream as a filling, creating a tropical-inspired version that brings a creamy, exotic touch to the classic recipe.

Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies FAQ

  • What makes these Linzer cookies special?

These heart-shaped Linzer cookies are unique because they combine the classic Austrian cookie design with the irresistible Nutella filling. The delicate cookie with a cut-out window and powdered sugar dusting creates a beautiful and delicious treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

  • Can I use a different type of nut flour?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour with other nut flours like hazelnut or pecan flour. Just keep in mind that each nut flour will slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies. Almond flour works best for maintaining the traditional Linzer cookie taste.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from breaking when cutting out the center?

Use a very sharp, small heart-shaped cookie cutter and work with well-chilled dough. Make sure to flour your work surface and cookie cutter lightly to prevent sticking. If the dough becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.

  • Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids will love helping cut out the heart shapes and spreading Nutella. The process is simple enough for children to participate, making it a fun family baking activity. Just supervise them during the oven and cutting steps.

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Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies Recipe

Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet heart-shaped Nutella Linzer Cookies bring European charm to delightful dessert tables. Delicate Austrian-inspired pastries sandwich rich chocolate hazelnut spread between buttery, crisp cookie layers, creating irresistible treats you’ll adore.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Flour and Sugar):

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100 g) almond flour or finely ground almonds
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (200 g) Nutella (or other hazelnut spread)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare a velvety cookie dough by whipping softened butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, airy mixture. Incorporate the egg and fragrant extracts, blending until smooth and uniform.
  2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour blend, combining all-purpose and almond flour with a pinch of salt to create a delicate dry mixture.
  3. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamy butter mixture, gently mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ tender texture.
  4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, pressing each into a flat disc. Wrap individually in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
  5. Heat the oven to 350F, preparing baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
  6. On a lightly dusted surface, roll out the chilled dough to a delicate 1/8-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cutters to create elegant cookie bases and window-topped companions.
  7. Carefully transfer the delicate cut-outs to prepared baking sheets, ensuring gentle spacing between each cookie.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for a subtle golden edge. Rotate the sheets midway to ensure even, perfect browning.
  9. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheets, then transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
  10. Spread a luxurious layer of Nutella on the solid cookie bases, creating a rich, chocolatey foundation.
  11. Gently crown each Nutella-covered cookie with its windowed counterpart, creating a charming sandwich.
  12. Finish by dusting the assembled cookies with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar, adding a touch of sweet elegance to these romantic treats.

Notes

  • Achieve perfectly soft cookies by ensuring butter is at room temperature before creaming, which helps create a smooth, even texture.
  • Prevent dough from sticking by chilling it thoroughly, making rolling and cutting much easier and maintaining the cookie’s shape during baking.
  • Use a light touch when handling the delicate heart-shaped cookies to avoid breaking their fragile edges, especially with the window-cut versions.
  • Swap Nutella for alternative spreads like raspberry jam or almond butter to accommodate different dietary preferences or allergies.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Austrian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 197
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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