Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate treat to share with someone special (or to spoil yourself!), Almond Heart Cookies are pure magic. These melt-in-your-mouth sandwich cookies feature buttery almond dough, a hint of sweet fruit jam, and a playful heart shape that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day or just because, each cookie is a tender, beautiful bite that’s guaranteed to delight. Let’s dive into the irresistible world of Almond Heart Cookies together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Almond Heart Cookies come together with a handful of pantry staples and a few special touches. Each ingredient plays a key role, from rich butter to fragrant almond extract, creating a cookie that’s both simple to make and impossible to forget.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their irresistibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and ensures a delicate crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Helps the cookies brown lightly and adds just the right amount of crispness.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a bit of richness to the dough.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers that signature almond aroma and flavor, making these cookies stand out.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the sturdy base for shaping and cutting the cookies.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor in the mix.
- Finely ground almonds or almond flour (1/2 cup): Infuses the dough with nutty depth and a subtle crunch.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup, optional, for topping): Adds a pretty, crunchy finish if you like a little extra texture.
- Raspberry or strawberry jam (for filling): Sweet, tangy jam gives each bite a burst of color and flavor.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Creates a snowy, bakery-style finish that makes the cookies feel extra special.
How to Make Almond Heart Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily, giving you those perfectly shaped hearts every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is key for achieving that delicate texture Almond Heart Cookies are known for, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Egg and Almond Extract
Next, beat in the egg and almond extract until fully combined. The almond extract will immediately fill your kitchen with a dreamy aroma, setting the stage for the cookies’ signature flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground almonds or almond flour. This step ensures the dry ingredients are distributed evenly, so your dough bakes up uniform and delicious.
Step 5: Mix and Chill the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and chill for 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Shape
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out centers—these will become the “tops” of your Almond Heart Cookies sandwiches.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let them cool completely on the pan or a wire rack—this ensures they’ll be sturdy enough for sandwiching.
Step 8: Assemble and Finish
Spread a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam on the bottom halves of the cookies, then gently press the cut-out “top” cookies over the jam to form sweet heart sandwiches. Dust with powdered sugar for a picture-perfect finish, and sprinkle with sliced almonds if you like a bit of extra crunch.
How to Serve Almond Heart Cookies
Garnishes
For a classic touch, dust your Almond Heart Cookies with a light shower of powdered sugar just before serving. If you love a little elegance, a few sliced almonds pressed onto the tops add both charm and crunch. A tiny sprig of mint or fresh berries on the plate can make your cookie platter pop even more.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them for a special occasion, pair them with a fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a playful dessert platter. Their delicate almond flavor works beautifully with citrus and berry flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Creative Ways to Present
Almond Heart Cookies are a showstopper on any dessert table. Stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift, arrange them in a heart shape on a platter for festive gatherings, or wrap pairs in parchment for the sweetest party favors. For a truly memorable treat, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the tops before dusting with powdered sugar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Almond Heart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The cookies stay tender, and the jam filling keeps them pleasantly moist without getting soggy. Separate layers with parchment if you want to keep the shapes pristine.
Freezing
If you’d like to make these cookies ahead, you can freeze the unfilled baked cookies for up to two months. Just cool them completely, layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container, and thaw at room temperature before filling and serving. This makes them perfect for early holiday prep!
Reheating
While Almond Heart Cookies are delicious at room temperature, if you want to refresh them, pop the unfilled cookies in a low oven (about 275°F) for 4–5 minutes. Allow them to cool before sandwiching with jam. Filled cookies don’t need reheating and are best enjoyed as is.
FAQs
Can I use a different jam for the filling?
Absolutely! While raspberry and strawberry jam are classic choices, feel free to use any fruit preserves you love. Apricot, blackberry, or even a thin layer of chocolate spread all taste heavenly in Almond Heart Cookies.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it makes rolling and cutting the cookies much easier, and it helps them keep their adorable heart shape while baking. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes in the fridge helps!
What can I do if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, any small cookie cutter will work, or you can cut out shapes freehand with a knife for a rustic look. The key is to keep the size consistent so the cookies sandwich well together.
Can I make Almond Heart Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for binding, and check that your almond flour is certified gluten-free if needed.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make Almond Heart Cookies vegan, use a plant-based butter and an egg replacer (like a flax egg). Be sure your jam is vegan-friendly, and check all ingredient labels for any hidden animal products.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking Almond Heart Cookies—whether for a celebration, a sweet gift, or a simple afternoon treat. Their nutty aroma, jammy centers, and charming shape are sure to win over anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a whirl, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite cookie to share!
Print
Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Almond Heart Cookies are delicate, buttery sandwich cookies with a tender crumb and a sweet jam filling, perfect for festive occasions or as a charming gift. Featuring almond flour for a subtle nutty flavor and topped with powdered sugar, these cookies combine classic European baking with a romantic heart shape to delight both the eyes and palate.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
Topping and Filling
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
- Raspberry or strawberry jam (for filling)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well incorporated, creating a creamy base for your cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Almond Extract: Beat in the large egg followed by the almond extract, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly within the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely ground almonds or almond flour. This ensures all dry ingredients are well mixed and prevents clumps.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
- Roll Out and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough disk to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers to create a window effect.
- Arrange and Bake: Place all cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds on solid cookies for added texture. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to set their shape and texture.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Spread a small amount of raspberry or strawberry jam on the solid heart-shaped cookie bases. Top each with a corresponding cut-out cookie to create charming jam-filled sandwiches.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Dust the completed sandwich cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful, festive look before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to substitute other nut flours such as hazelnut or pistachio flour for variety.
- Almond extract can be swapped with vanilla or other nut extracts to customize flavor.
- Instead of jam, use chocolate spread or lemon curd for different filling options.
- If you don’t have sliced almonds for topping, you may omit them without affecting the flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
