Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies
Table of Contents
Ah, the sweet memories of baking with my grandmother come rushing back with every delightful bite of Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies. These little beauties are more than just cookies; they are a cozy hug from the past, a delicious nod to traditional European baking with a delightful twist. Picture yourself in a warm, bustling kitchen where the smell of buttery dough and sweet strawberries fills the air, and you’re sharing stories over a cup of hot tea. That’s the magic we’re about to stir up today.
These Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies are not just a treat for the tastebuds; they’re a celebration of love and simplicity right in your own kitchen. Imagine the joy of sharing these with your family, a warm plate of cookies at the center of your table, each heart-shaped gem a testament to the love and care baked into every batch. As you bite into the tender, buttery cookie, the burst of sweet strawberry jam reminds you of the joys of homemade goodness — a little piece of nostalgia in every nibble.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
- Heartfelt Nostalgia: These cookies remind you of a simpler time, evoking sweet memories of baking with loved ones, making them a perfect treat for family gatherings. Picture the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they savor each bite, wrapped in the warmth of tradition.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is a joy for bakers of all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen. Even if you’re a novice baker, the process is forgiving and rewarding.
- Perfect for Sharing: Their charming heart shape and delicious flavor make these cookies a delightful gift for friends and family, spreading warmth and love with every bite. Package them in a beautiful tin or wrap them in a delicate ribbon for a personalized touch.
- Versatile Delight: While strawberry jam is a delightful filling, you can experiment with other jams or preserves, making each batch uniquely yours. Try apricot, raspberry, or even a homemade marmalade for a citrusy zing.
- A Timeless Classic: These cookies never go out of style and are perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat on a lazy Sunday afternoon. They’re a perfect complement to any celebration, big or small.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To bring these charming Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies to life, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy — just the essentials that make baking feel like a breeze:
- Mixing Bowls: A medium-sized bowl for whisking your dry ingredients and a stand mixer bowl for whipping up the dough. Opt for stainless steel for easy handling and cleaning.
- Stand Mixer: Fitted with a paddle attachment to effortlessly blend your ingredients into a smooth, buttery dough. A handheld mixer works too, but a stand mixer makes the process more seamless.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out your dough to the perfect thickness — a fun task even the little ones can help with! A wooden rolling pin is ideal for a smooth roll.
- Cookie Cutters: A 2-inch fluted cookie cutter for the main shape and a ½-inch heart cutter for those adorable cutouts. Metal cutters provide sharp edges for clean shapes.
- Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. For best results, use heavy-gauge aluminum pans.
- Wire Racks: Essential for cooling your cookies to perfection before assembling them into sandwiches. These prevent sogginess by allowing air to circulate around the cookies.
- Saucepan: To gently heat and thicken the strawberry jam, ensuring it’s just the right consistency for filling. A small non-stick pan works best for even heating.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Let’s get to the heart of the matter, shall we? Here’s how you can whip up these delightful cookies with ease:
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 lg. egg
- 1/2-1 cup seedless strawberry jam
INSTRUCTIONS
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Add the butter and granulated sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and the egg. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Cut the dough in half and shape it into 2 disks. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Working with 1 disk at a time, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to ⅛-inch thick. Cut out dough with a 2-inch fluted cookie cutter. Cut out centers of half the cookies with a ½-inch heart cutter. Re-roll the scraps and cut out additional cookies. Space the cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Chill dough on baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Bake cookies and hearts until pale golden, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the pans 180° halfway through the baking time. Transfer the pans to wire racks to cool and allow the cookies to cool completely on the pans before transferring to a work surface for the next steps.
- While the cookies are baking, heat the jam in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced and thickened, about 7 minutes; let cool.
- Dust the cutout cookies with confectioners’ sugar – these will be the tops of your cookie sandwiches. Spread jam onto uncut cookies; top with the cutout cookies.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: European • Preparation Time: 2 hours 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 10 minutes • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes • Calories: 150 per cookie • Servings: 24
Note: For an extra burst of flavor, try using a different fruit jam or preserve, such as raspberry or apricot, to fill your cookies. Experiment with adding a touch of citrus zest to the dough for added brightness and aroma.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
The beauty of these Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies lies not just in their taste and appearance, but also in the goodness of their ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple in baking, providing structure and a tender crumb to the cookies. It ensures the cookies hold their shape while maintaining a delicate texture.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and tender texture, making each bite melt in your mouth. Choose unsalted to control the saltiness of your dough.
- Strawberry Jam: Packed with the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of strawberries, it’s a delightful filling that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookies. Opt for seedless for a smooth finish.
- Cinnamon: A hint of spice that adds warmth and depth, making these cookies even more comforting. Its subtle presence enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and giving the cookies their lovely, tender texture. They also contribute to the cookies’ golden color.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with some complementary treats can elevate your dessert experience:
- Afternoon Tea: Serve these cookies alongside a steaming pot of tea for a classic afternoon indulgence. Earl Grey or chamomile tea enhances the cookies’ flavor.
- Coffee Break: Pair with a rich, aromatic coffee for a blissful mid-morning pick-me-up. A latte or cappuccino complements the buttery texture beautifully.
- Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert. Vanilla or strawberry ice cream adds an extra creamy layer.
- Fruit Platter: Complement the sweet, buttery cookies with a fresh fruit platter featuring berries and grapes for a light, refreshing contrast. The tartness of the fruit balances the cookies’ sweetness.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze unassembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling with jam. This method preserves their flavor and texture.
- Enjoying Leftovers: Refresh cookies by warming them slightly in a low oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste like they’re fresh from the oven! Pair the refreshed cookies with a hot beverage for an instant treat.
As you gather around the table with your loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over these delightful Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies, remember that the true magic of homemade treats lies in the love and care you pour into each recipe. The aroma of freshly baked cookies has a way of turning a simple day into a cherished memory, and I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing these as I have.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
Love this recipe? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest boards and bring a little Easy Peasy comfort to your kitchen whenever you need it.
Linzer Strawberry Heart Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Add the butter and granulated sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and the egg. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Cut the dough in half and shape it into 2 disks. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Working with 1 disk at a time, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thick. Cut out dough with a 2-inch fluted cookie cutter. Cut out centers of half the cookies with a 1/2-inch heart cutter. Re-roll the scraps and cut out additional cookies. Space the cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Chill dough on baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Bake cookies and hearts until pale golden, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the pans 180° halfway through the baking time. Transfer the pans to wire racks to cool and allow the cookies to cool completely on the pans before transferring to a work surface for the next steps.
- While the cookies are baking, heat the jam in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced and thickened, about 7 minutes; let cool.
- Dust the cutout cookies with confectioners’ sugar – these will be the tops of your cookie sandwiches. Spread jam onto uncut cookies; top with the cut out cookies.
