Heart Linzer Cookies for Valentine’s Day: The Ultimate Austrian-Inspired Love Treat (2026 Recipe)
Delicate, buttery Austrian-inspired sandwich cookies with a heart-shaped cutout revealing jewel-toned raspberry jam. These tender almond cookies dusted with powdered sugar are the perfect romantic treat for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Total Time:3 hours (including chilling)
Yield:24 sandwich cookies
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
3/4 cup raspberry jam
1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Whisk flour, ground almonds, spices, and salt in a bowl
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes)
Add lemon zest, egg yolk, and extracts; beat until combined
Gradually mix in flour mixture until just combined
Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap and chill 2+ hours
Preheat oven to 350°F; line baking sheets with parchment
Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness; cut hearts with larger cutter
Cut small hearts from center of half the cookies (these are tops)
Bake 10-12 minutes until edges barely golden; cool completely
Spread jam on solid cookies, dust cutout cookies with powdered sugar
Sandwich together and let flavors meld for 24 hours before serving
Notes
Dough can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated or frozen for 3 months
Use seedless raspberry preserves for smoothest filling
Cookies taste best 24-48 hours after assembly
Store in airtight container up to 5 days at room temperature
Ground almonds can be replaced with hazelnuts or pecans
