– **Title**: Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup Nutella (or hazelnut spread)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Optional: crushed hazelnuts for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place half of the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to create a heart cutout in the center of the remaining cookies.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of Nutella onto each solid cookie and top with the cookies that have heart cutouts.
10. Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar and, if desired, sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation for the cookies. If gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a similar texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cookies their rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can substitute it with Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
Butter: I always use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well too!
Nutella: Nutella is essential for that creamy chocolate-hazelnut flavor. However, feel free to use another chocolate-hazelnut spread, or even a homemade version if you’re up for it!
Powdered Sugar: This adds a beautiful finish to the cookies. If you prefer, you could omit this for a less sweet treat or use cocoa powder for decoration.
How Do You Get the Dough to Chill Perfectly?
Chilling the dough is crucial for getting the right texture, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. After mixing, divide the dough and flatten it into discs before wrapping. Chill for at least 30 minutes but up to an hour for best results.
- Make sure the dough is wrapped tightly to avoid drying out.
- This step makes rolling out easier and gives the cookies a beautiful shape.
Remember, every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, and let them cool completely before assembling. Happy baking!
How to Make Nutella Linzer Heart Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup Nutella (or any chocolate-hazelnut spread)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to set aside at least 30 minutes to chill the dough! In total, you’ll likely need around 1 hour for making and baking the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
To start off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your cookies!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will help give your cookies that perfect texture. Once mixed, set it aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is what gives your cookies a nice, tender crumb.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract with the butter and sugar mixture until everything is well combined. This will add flavor and moisture to your cookies!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until it’s just combined. Your dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels a bit wet, don’t worry; it will firm up in the fridge!
6. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in half and flatten each piece into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is important for getting the dough to hold its shape while baking.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
Once chilled, take one disc of dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as you can. For half of these, also cut a smaller heart in the center to create a “window” for the Nutella.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place your cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they feel firm. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Assemble the Cookies:
After the cookies have cooled down, take the ones without the cutout and spread about 1 teaspoon of Nutella on each. Then, carefully place the cookies with the heart cutout on top to make lovely little sandwiches!
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
For a festive finishing touch, dust the top of each sandwich cookie with powdered sugar. This will make them look extra special!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your Nutella Linzer heart cookies are ready! Serve them up and enjoy these decadent treats however you like. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea!
Can I Substitute the Butter in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Just ensure the coconut oil is softened for easy mixing. The result will still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Nutella?
If you don’t have Nutella on hand, you can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread, or even almond butter if you prefer a nutty flavor. For a twist, try using a fruit preserve or jam for a different taste in the filling!
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store your Nutella Linzer heart cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, though they are best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! After chilling the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting your cookies.
