Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies: A Delicious Way to Show Love

Few things say “I love you” like a homemade treat. Imagine delicate, buttery almond cookies filled with a rich layer of Nutella, dusted with powdered sugar to perfection. Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies are the ultimate sweet gesture, combining the warmth of traditional Linzer cookies with the irresistible creaminess of Nutella.

These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re stunning to look at, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion when you want to show someone how much they mean to you. Let’s explore how you can bake these delightful treats step by step and create something truly memorable.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

There’s something magical about these cookies that makes them impossible to resist. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Elegant and Beautiful: The heart-shaped design and powdered sugar topping make these cookies look bakery-worthy.
• Rich and Nutty Flavor: Almond flour adds depth, while Nutella brings a chocolatey richness.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These cookies are made to impress and are great for gifting or celebrations.
• Fun to Make: The process of cutting out the hearts and sandwiching them together with Nutella is as enjoyable as eating them!

Ingredients for Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

Here’s everything you need to create these delightful cookies:

Cookie Dough Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Almond flour	1 ½ cups
Ground cinnamon	1/8 teaspoon
Kosher salt	1/8 teaspoon
Unsalted butter	½ cup (softened)
Sugar	¾ cup
Egg	1 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Filling and Decoration Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)	¾ cup
Powdered sugar	For dusting
Cocoa powder	For dusting (optional)

How to Make Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

These cookies may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make if you follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 ½ cups almond flour
   • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
2. Set the dry mixture aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together:
   • ½ cup unsalted butter
   • ¾ cup sugar
2. Beat on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes until the mixture is soft and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
2. Mix on low speed until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
2. Once all the dry ingredients are added, increase the mixer to medium-low and mix until the dough is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into discs.
2. Place each disc between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
3. Place the rolled dough in the freezer for 45 minutes to 1 hour to chill.

Step 6: Cut Out the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Remove one sheet of dough from the freezer. Peel off the top layer of parchment paper and use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
3. For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to create a cutout in the center. Save the smaller hearts for baking as mini cookies.
4. Repeat the process with the second sheet of dough.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

1. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
2. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
3. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Fill and Assemble the Cookies

1. Microwave ¾ cup of Nutella for about 10 seconds to make it easier to spread.
2. Spread a thin layer of Nutella on the flat side of the solid cookies.
3. Dust the top cookies (the ones with the heart cutout) with powdered sugar.
4. Sandwich the cookies together by placing the powdered sugar-dusted tops over the Nutella-spread bottoms.

Step 9: Decorate the Mini Hearts (Optional)

1. Dust the smaller cutout hearts with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a mix of both.
2. Alternatively, you can sandwich the mini hearts together with Nutella for bite-sized treats.

Tips for Perfect Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies

1. Keep the Dough Chilled

Chilled dough is easier to work with and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. If the dough becomes soft while you’re cutting shapes, place it back in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. Use Quality Ingredients

High-quality butter, almond flour, and Nutella will elevate the flavor of these cookies and make a noticeable difference.

3. Don’t Overbake

Linzer cookies are meant to be tender, so remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn light golden brown.

4. Customize the Filling

While Nutella is the star here, you can experiment with other fillings like raspberry jam, caramel, or even lemon curd for a different twist.

5. Store Properly

Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Why Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are versatile and can be customized for various events and holidays. Here’s how:

• Valentine’s Day: Their heart shape and Nutella filling make them a romantic treat.
• Christmas: Swap the heart-shaped cutter for stars or snowflakes, and use festive sprinkles for decoration.
• Gifting: Package them in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Everyday Treats: Bake them as an afternoon snack or dessert for your family.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~140
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	16g
Protein	2g
Sugar	9g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling it out.

2. Can I freeze Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough or the fully baked cookies. If freezing the cookies, wait to fill and assemble them until you’re ready to serve.

3. What can I use instead of almond flour?

If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute it with finely ground hazelnuts or use all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough thoroughly before cutting the cookies and chill the shaped cookies for 10–15 minutes before baking.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make the cookies gluten-free.

6. What other shapes can I use?

You can use any cookie cutter shape you like—stars, circles, or flowers work beautifully for different themes.

Bake Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies Today!

There’s no better way to show your love than with these homemade Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and absolutely beautiful. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ready to impress your loved ones? Gather your ingredients and start baking these delightful cookies today!

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