A Sweet Tradition: Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

A Sweet Tradition: Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies

There’s something undeniably special about baking for those we love. The delicate aroma of vanilla and almond, the tender crumble of a perfectly baked cookie, and the joy of sandwiching sweet fillings between heart-shaped layers—these are the little things that make a home warm and inviting. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes: Heart-Shaped Cut-Out Linzer Cookies.

These classic cookies, inspired by European baking traditions, are not only a delight to make but also a beautiful expression of love. Whether you’re crafting them for a cozy afternoon tea, a special Valentine’s Day treat, or simply to brighten an ordinary day, these linzer cookies will bring elegance and joy to your table.

Heart-Shaped Linzer Cookies Recipe

Dry Ingredients

120g (1 cup) almond flour
68g (½ cup) coconut flour (sub a 1/4 of Dutch cocoa for the chocolate version)
120g (1 cup) powdered sweetener (monk fruit, erythritol, or xylitol)
1-2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
1 teaspoon sea salt

Wet Ingredients:

113g (½ cup) grass-fed butter, room temp (sub palm shortening for dairy-free option)
10mL (2 teaspoons) pure vanilla extract
5mL (1 teaspoon) pure almond extract

Garnish/Cover:

1-2 tablespoons powdered sweetener (monk fruit, erythritol, or xylitol)

Easy Chocolate Ganache:

110g (½ cup) chocolate chips, melted (Lily’s Sweets)
14g (1 tablespoon) coconut oil

Jam Filling

2 teaspoons of strawberry or raspberry jam inside each cookie (look for sugar-free brands)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Mix the Dough: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream the softened butter, powdered sweetener, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
2. If making dairy-free, substitute butter with palm shortening and add a pinch of sea salt.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the almond flour and coconut flour. Mix until a slightly crumbly yet soft dough forms.
4. Adjust if Necessary: If the dough is too dry, add more butter or shortening, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it becomes pliable.
5. Shape and Chill: Place the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap. Roll it to 1/8-inch thickness, then transfer it onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
6. Cut & Bake: Preheat Oven: 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
   Cut the Cookies: Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half of them, use a 1-inch cutter to create a small center hole.
   Bake: Bottom cookies: Bake for 7-9 minutes.
   Top cookies (with cutout centers): Bake for 6-8 minutes.
7. Let them cool slightly before handling.
8. Assemble the Linzer Cookies: Prepare the Fillings: Make a homemade jelly (see Module 6, Lesson 7 inside the Academy) or use a simple ganache by melting chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave, stirring in 10-second intervals.
9. Dust the Tops: Once the cutout cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sweetener.
10. Fill the Bottoms: Spread 2 teaspoons of jam or chocolate ganache onto each bottom cookie.\
11. Create the Sandwich: Gently press a top cookie onto each filled bottom, allowing the sweet filling to peek through.

The Beauty of Baking with IntentionThese elegant Linzer cookies aren’t just about taste—they symbolize the warmth and care of homemade baking. As you cut out each heart, fill them with sweetness, and dust them with a snowy layer of powdered sweetener, you are creating more than just a dessert—you are crafting a cherished memory.

This is the beauty of the Bakerlita Baking Academy—it’s not just about learning recipes; it’s about cultivating traditions that bring joy to your home and heart. Want to learn more about the art of refined baking?

🌸 Join the Bakerlita Baking Academy and master the skills to create beautiful, nourishing bakes. Discover step-by-step video lessons, elegant seasonal recipes, and a community of like-minded homemakers who share a love for beauty and tradition.

Click Here if you’d love an exclusive FREE invitation to the Academy!

Wishing you many sweet, heart-shaped moments of joy.

Blessings & Bake the Bakerlita Way!

Andrea Witthoeft