Description
Delight in these charming Linzer Heart Cookies filled with a rich chocolate ganache. These tender, almond-flavored sandwich cookies are perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time of year. The buttery cookie base is subtly spiced with cinnamon and almond extract, while the luscious chocolate filling adds a decadent finishing touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Chocolate Filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, salt, and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of cookies. On half of them, use a smaller heart cutter to create a window in the center. Place all cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
- Make Chocolate Filling: In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Pour the warm cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract and allow the ganache to cool to room temperature to thicken slightly.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread a spoonful of chocolate ganache onto the bottom (solid) cookies. Top each with a cut-out heart cookie to create a sandwich. Press gently to secure.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Dust the assembled Linzer Heart Cookies with powdered sugar before serving for a festive look.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, toast the ground almonds lightly before mixing into the dough.
- Make sure cookies are completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting the chocolate filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
- Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best ganache texture and flavor.
