When the heart-shaped decorations start popping up in stores, I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement at the thought of Valentine’s Day treats. There’s something irresistibly charming about baking special goodies that can be enjoyed with someone dear. Enter my Valentines Linzer Cookies—a delightful twist on the classic recipe that combines rich almond flavors with the sweet tang of raspberry jam.
Biting into these buttery masterpieces, you’ll be met with a beautiful contrast of textures: the crumbly cookie enveloping a burst of fruity sweetness. Not only are they visually stunning with their playful cutout centers layered with jam, but they also come together effortlessly. Perfect for sharing during cozy evenings or gifting to your favorite friends, these cookies will bring love and warmth to any gathering.
So why not don your apron and transform your kitchen into a sweet haven? Let’s make some magic!
Why You'll Love This Valentines Linzer Cookies
- These Valentines Linzer Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch without any hassle.
- The combination of buttery almond flavors and luscious raspberry jam creates an unforgettable taste that will delight your palate.
- Their charming appearance with cutout centers makes them a showstopper for any occasion, sure to impress your loved ones.
- Plus, they are perfect for sharing, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat together.
Valentines Linzer Cookies Ingredients
• Prepare to create these delightful cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- Butter – ¾ cup, softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Sugar – ½ cup, which adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes of almonds.
- Egg – 1 large, helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a tender cookie.
- Vanilla extract – ¼ tsp, elevates the flavor profile with its rich aroma.
- Lemon zest – ½ tsp, brightens the overall taste of these Valentines Linzer Cookies.
- Cake flour – 2 ¼ cups, gives a light and tender texture to your cookies.
- Finely ground almonds or almond flour – 1 ½ cups, introduces delightful nutty flavors and adds richness.
- Baking powder – ½ tsp, helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft bite.
- Cinnamon – ½ tsp, infuses warm spice notes that complement the raspberry jam.
For the Filling
- Raspberry jam – 6 oz, provides that tart sweetness which pairs beautifully with the buttery cookies.
For Garnishing
- Powdered sugar – for dusting, adds a charming finish and a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Valentines Linzer Cookies
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Cream the Butter: Start by softening the butter and creaming it for 2–3 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light. This creates a rich foundation for your cookies.
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Add the Sugar: Incorporate the sugar into the creamed butter and beat for another 2–3 minutes until well combined and fluffy.
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Mix in Egg and Flavorings: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture that captures a lovely aroma.
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Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in three parts, stirring just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
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Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps enhance the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.
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Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, roll the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about ⅛ inch thick. Briefly freeze the rolled dough to firm it up for easier cutting.
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Cut Out Cookies: Cut half of the cookies into solid shapes and the other half with a cute cutout center. This will create delightful layers for your jam-filled treats.
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Re-roll Scraps: Gather any leftover dough scraps, re-roll, and cut out additional cookies until you have used all the dough.
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Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden, creating that perfect cookie texture.
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Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the jam, ensuring a perfect assembly.
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Assemble and Garnish: Spread about 1–2 teaspoons of raspberry jam on the bottom cookies, topping each with the cutout centers. Finish with a small dollop of jam in the center and dust with powdered sugar.
Optional: For a lovely presentation, consider adding a few fresh raspberries on the side.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Valentines Linzer Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and tasty.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Freezer: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, simply heat the frozen Valentines Linzer Cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Valentines Linzer Cookies?
Looking to elevate your delightful baking experience? Pair these charming cookies with accompaniments that bring out their scrumptious flavors!
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm cookies, creating a heavenly combination.
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Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee or a shot of espresso enhances the cookies' almond and raspberry flavors, making them truly irresistible.
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Sparkling Wine: Celebrate love with a glass of bubbly that adds a festive flair to your dessert table. Its effervescence contrasts delightfully with the cookie's sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate not only adds visual appeal but complements the cookies' flavors wonderfully.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a creamy contrast, transforming your cookies into an indulgent treat.
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Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea provides a soothing backdrop, harmonizing with the almond and raspberry jam.
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Fruit Tart: Serve alongside a fruity tart or galette for a playful dessert spread that offers various textures and flavors, making each bite unique.
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Nuts: A handful of roasted almonds or hazelnuts enhances the nutty flavor of the cookies and adds satisfying crunch.
Valentines Linzer Cookies Variations
Feel free to tailor these cookies to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend for equally tender cookies without the gluten.
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour to create a nut-free version that suits all dietary restrictions.
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Jam Flavor Swap: Try swapping raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, or even a rich chocolate spread for a unique twist.
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Bold Citrus: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a zesty brightness that complements the sweetness of the jam beautifully.
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Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for an aromatic layer that brings warmth to every bite.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the assembled cookies for an indulgent touch that elevates their visual charm.
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Reduced Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the cookie dough by half to indulge in a lighter treat without sacrificing flavor.
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Mini Cookies: Roll out smaller shapes for bite-sized cookies—a perfect way to share the love or add to a dessert platter.
Make Ahead Options
These Valentines Linzer Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time without sacrificing taste! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Additionally, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to assemble, spread a layer of raspberry jam on the bottom cookies, top with the cutout cookies, and add a little extra jam in the center. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that charming touch! By prepping ahead, you’ll ensure a delightful cookie experience with minimal effort on the special day.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it for the best texture in your Valentines Linzer Cookies.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep your cookies tender and light.
- When rolling out the dough, use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Chill the dough adequately to ensure clean cuts when shaping your cookies and to maintain their form during baking.
Valentines Linzer Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the Valentines Linzer Cookies?
Absolutely, I recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe. It allows you to control the salt levels and brings out the sweet, nutty flavor of the almonds beautifully. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
How should I store my Valentines Linzer Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, move them to the refrigerator, where they'll stay fresh for about a week. Just ensure they're packed securely to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze Valentines Linzer Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! To do so, place the baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll maintain their delightful flavor for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky to roll out?
If your dough feels too sticky, don't worry! Chill the dough for another 15-20 minutes. The cooler temperature will make it easier to handle. You could also sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface or parchment paper when rolling out to help with stickiness.
Are there any dietary considerations for these Valentines Linzer Cookies?
It's great to be mindful of dietary preferences! If you have nut allergies, you could substitute ground almonds with sunflower seed flour, although the flavor will differ. For gluten-free cookies, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of cake flour, ensuring that the baking powder you use is gluten-free as well.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for a light golden edge—this typically takes about 12 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven. Also, the cookies should feel firm, but slightly soft in the center. You'll want to cool them completely on a wire rack before assembling with jam, as they'll firm up more upon cooling.
Valentines Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add sugar and beat for another 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
- Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Whisk together cake flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until combined.
- Divide dough into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out dough to about ⅛ inch thick and freeze briefly.
- Cut half of the cookies into solid shapes and half with a cutout center.
- Re-roll scraps to cut out additional cookies.
- Bake cookies at 350°F for about 12 minutes until edges are gold.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before applying jam.
- Spread jam on bottom cookies, top with cutout centers, and dust with powdered sugar.
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