Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a truly special treat to bake for someone you love (including yourself!), the Almond Heart Cookies Recipe absolutely belongs in your repertoire. Imagine a tender shortbread, delicately flavored with vanilla and almond, sandwiched with a jewel-bright layer of raspberry or strawberry jam. These cookies not only taste delightful, but their charming heart shapes also make them perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just-because moments. The Almond Heart Cookies Recipe promises both eye-catching beauty and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, and once you try it, you’ll crave its buttery, nutty goodness all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Almond Heart Cookies Recipe is how a handful of classic, quality ingredients transform into something exceptional. Every element plays an important role, from the creamy butter to the aromatic almond extract, ensuring each cookie is a bite of bliss.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Room temperature butter creates a creamy base and contributes to the cookies’ rich, tender texture.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Lends sweetness and gives a softer crumb than granulated sugar.
- Egg yolk (1 large): Adds richness and helps bind the dough for a melt-in-your-mouth result.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the almond flavor and adds warmth to the aroma.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon): The essential essence for that unforgettable nutty fragrance.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure of the cookies; too much can dry them out, so measure carefully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Finely ground almonds (½ cup): Infuses every bite with unmistakable almond flavor and a subtle crunch.
- Raspberry or strawberry jam (¼ cup, for filling): Brings a pop of fruity sweetness and vibrant color (apricot or cherry work too!).
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds an elegant, snowy finish that instantly elevates the cookies.
How to Make Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. You want to whip them until they look pale and fluffy, which means plenty of air has been incorporated. This step sets your Almond Heart Cookies Recipe up for a delicate, pillowy bite, so don’t rush—let your mixer do its magic for 2–3 full minutes.
Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk and Extracts
Next, drop in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined. This trio brings creamy richness and a double dose of cozy, aromatic vanilla-almond flavor to your dough, making these cookies truly irresistible.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground almonds. Gradually add the dry mix to your buttery base, blending just until a soft dough forms. The moment the dough comes together, stop mixing—overworking it can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and ensures your cookies hold their heart shapes instead of spreading in the oven—crucial for that polished final look.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter for all cookies, then cut a smaller heart out of the center of half the shapes (these will be your cookie tops). Gather and reroll scraps as needed—no dough wasted!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Gently arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheets, giving them a bit of space. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden (watch closely, as they bake quickly!). Allow the cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent the jam from melting and running.
Step 7: Fill and Assemble
Take each whole cookie (the bottoms), and spread a small spoonful of your chosen jam on its flat side. Place a cookie top (with the heart cutout) gently on each one, pressing lightly to sandwich them together. The jam will peek through the window, making them look as good as they taste.
Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar
For the finishing touch, sift powdered sugar generously over the assembled Almond Heart Cookies Recipe. This final flourish is not only pretty, but adds a sweet, delicate snow-like effect that makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Serve Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of powdered sugar on top is classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or edible dried rose petals for a festive twist. The little extra color and flavor will make your Almond Heart Cookies Recipe stand out even more on any dessert tray.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of black tea, creamy cappuccino, or a citrusy herbal tisane. For a dessert spread, surround them with fresh berries or a light vanilla yogurt dip—simple accents that enhance the almond and fruit notes without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Showcase your Almond Heart Cookies Recipe by stacking them in a glass jar tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. If you’re hosting brunch or an afternoon tea, arrange them on a tiered cake stand lined with parchment, or lay them in cupcake liners for a pretty, portable party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your fully assembled Almond Heart Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If possible, layer parchment between the cookies to keep the jam from making them too soft—though these rarely last long once they’re discovered!
Freezing
For the best texture, freeze the unfilled cookies in a well-sealed zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and assemble with jam and powdered sugar before serving for a freshly-baked feel any time.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like to restore their just-baked aroma, you can warm the unfilled cookies for a minute or two at 300°F (150°C). Always let them cool before adding jam and powdered sugar.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of jam in this Almond Heart Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry or strawberry jam adds a bright, classic touch, apricot, cherry, or even blackberry jam work beautifully too. Pick your favorite or use several for a colorful assortment.
What if I don’t have ground almonds?
You can grind whole almonds in a food processor until very fine, or purchase almond meal in the baking section of most grocery stores. Just be sure to avoid almond flour that’s too fine or defatted, as it may affect texture.
My dough is too sticky to roll. What should I do?
If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it back in the fridge for another 15–20 minutes. Chilling firms up the butter, making it much easier to roll and cut.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough for the Almond Heart Cookies Recipe can chill in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply let it warm slightly at room temperature before rolling out, just until it’s soft enough to work with.
Do I need a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
While heart-shaped cutters create that signature look, you can certainly use any shape you like—circles, stars, or fluted rounds—all taste equally delicious with this recipe!
Final Thoughts
Few things bring as much joy as home-baked treats made with love, and the Almond Heart Cookies Recipe is a perfect example. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to share a little sweetness, these cookies are proof that a simple recipe can create truly magical moments. Happy baking!
Print
Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Heart Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. With a buttery almond shortbread base filled with sweet jam and dusted with powdered sugar, these sandwich cookies are sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely ground almonds
Filling and Decoration:
- ¼ cup raspberry or strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground almonds.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using a heart-shaped cutter, and cut a smaller heart in the center of half of the cookies for the tops.
- Bake: Place cookies on the baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until just starting to turn golden at the edges. Let cool completely.
- Fill and Assemble: Spread a small amount of jam on the flat side of each whole cookie and top with a cutout cookie. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- You can also use apricot or cherry jam for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
