Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies are a delightful and elegant treat featuring buttery, almond-infused shortbread cookies sandwiched with sweet strawberry jam. These heart-shaped cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautiful and Festive – Their heart shape and jam-filled centers make them visually stunning.
Buttery and Delicious – The almond shortbread is rich, tender, and melts in your mouth.
Customizable – Swap the strawberry jam for your favorite fruit preserves.
Perfect for Gifting – These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake in advance and store for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Almond flour
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Lemon zest
Salt
Strawberry jam
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Prepare the Dough – In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar – In a separate bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until combined.
Combine and Chill – Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out heart shapes. Use a smaller cutter to remove the center of half the cookies.
Bake – Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Assemble – Spread strawberry jam on the whole heart-shaped cookies. Place the cut-out cookies on top and gently press.
Dust and Serve – Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Variations

Different Jams – Try raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for variety.
Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies for extra indulgence.
Nut-Free Version – Omit almond flour and use only all-purpose flour.
Spiced Linzers – Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm flavor.
Vegan Option – Use dairy-free butter and an egg substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze unassembled cookies for up to 2 months; thaw before adding jam.
Reheating: Not necessary; best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these without almond flour?

Yes, but almond flour gives them a delicate texture. Substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough before rolling and baking to maintain their shape.

Can I use store-bought jam?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold in place.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

They last up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before rolling.

Do I need to use powdered sugar?

It adds a classic look, but you can skip it if preferred.

Can I use different cookie cutter shapes?

Yes, any shape works as long as you create a top cut-out.

How do I make these cookies extra crisp?

Bake a minute longer and let them cool completely before assembling.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes, but the dough may be softer. Reduce other liquid ingredients slightly.

What’s the best way to package these for gifts?

Stack them in a decorative tin or wrap in parchment paper for a beautiful presentation.

Conclusion

Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies are a classic, elegant treat perfect for any occasion. Their buttery, jam-filled goodness makes them a favorite for gifting and indulging. Try this recipe and enjoy a batch of homemade sweetness!