Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies
Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies are a delightful treat that beautifully combines buttery cookie dough with sweet strawberry jam. This recipe not only adds a touch of elegance to any gathering but also brings a nostalgic experience reminiscent of baking with family during special occasions. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day surprise or just want to bring some sweet joy to a casual afternoon, these heart-shaped cookies are sure to win hearts!
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies. For starters, they are a charming balance of flavors and textures—soft dough contrasting with a gooey, fruit-filled center. Perfect for family gatherings or as a heartfelt gift, they’re not just cookies; they’re expressions of love. Plus, these treats are surprisingly easy to make and use simple ingredients, making them budget-friendly.
“These Linzer cookies are the highlight of my baking this season! The strawberry jam adds a delightful sweetness, and they look so festive on my dessert table!” – A happy home baker
How this recipe comes together
Making Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies is a straightforward process, perfect even for novice bakers. You’ll first create a buttery dough infused with warm spices, then chill it to achieve the perfect texture before rolling it out to shape. With just a few steps, you’ll end up with beautifully crafted cookies that can be shared and enjoyed.
What you’ll need
To make these lovely cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2-1 cup seedless strawberry jam
Feel free to experiment with the jam flavors you prefer, or even try using a fruit preserve for a unique twist!
Directions to follow
- Begin by whisking the flour, baking powder, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl; set this mixture aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract and egg.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly incorporate the flour mixture until just combined. Divide the dough into two portions, shaping each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using a 2-inch fluted cookie cutter, and for half of these cookies, cut out hearts in the center with a smaller ½-inch cutter. Re-roll any scraps to make additional cookies.
- Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and chill for 5 minutes.
- Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until pale golden, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
- While the cookies are cooling, heat the strawberry jam in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to a thick consistency, about 7 minutes. Let it cool.
- Dust the cookies with cut-out centers with confectioners’ sugar and spread a generous amount of jam on the uncut cookies. Top with the sugared cookies to form sandwiches.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated in a few creative ways. Serve them on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for a pop of color. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee, making for a lovely afternoon treat. They also make for perfect gifts in decorative boxes adorned with ribbons.
How to store & freeze
To keep your Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookie sandwiches, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Pro chef tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality butter and strawberry jam for the best flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough properly; this really helps with rolling it out and shaping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different types of jams (like raspberry or apricot) for a twist on the traditional recipe.
- Precision Counts: Measure your flour accurately for the perfect texture. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
Creative twists
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts (like almond or hazelnut) into the dough for added crunch.
- Spice Variations: Swap out the ground cinnamon for other spices such as cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Glaze Finish: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
With chilling time included, these cookies take about 3 to 4 hours to prepare. However, the active cooking time is roughly 30-40 minutes.Can I use other types of fruit jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any seedless fruit jams you prefer or even use homemade preserves.What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Just remember to layer them with wax paper if freezing to avoid sticking.
With all these details in hand, you’re ready to dive into making beautiful and delicious Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies. Enjoy the process and delight in sharing these treasures with loved ones!
Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract and egg.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly incorporate the flour mixture until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shaping each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out 2-inch fluted cookie shapes, and for half, cut out hearts in the center using a smaller ½-inch cutter.
- Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and chill for 5 minutes.
- Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until pale golden, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
- While the cookies are cooling, heat the strawberry jam in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to a thick consistency, about 7 minutes. Let it cool.
- Dust the cookies with cut-out centers with confectioners' sugar and spread jam on the uncut cookies. Top with the sugared cookies to form sandwiches.
