Description
Almond Heart Cookies are delightful sandwich cookies featuring a tender almond-infused dough filled with sweet raspberry or strawberry jam. Perfectly shaped with charming heart cutouts, these European-inspired treats bring a touch of elegance to any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a delicate balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
Filling
- ¼ cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg Yolk and Almond Extract: Incorporate the egg yolk and almond extract into the butter mixture, beating until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground almonds to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This step firms the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.
- Roll Out and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. For half of the cookies, cut out smaller heart shapes in the center to create a window for the jam.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
- Cool the Cookies: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely to prevent the jam from melting.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a small amount of jam on the whole heart cookies. Top each with a windowed cookie to form a sandwich, gently pressing together.
- Optional Dusting: Dust the assembled sandwich cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and added sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute the raspberry or strawberry jam with apricot, cherry, or any favorite jam flavor for variety.
- These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day or special occasions due to their charming heart shape.
- Store the almond heart cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies to maintain a tender texture.
