Nutella Linzer Cookies

There are moments when you want to bake something that feels special without being complicated, something that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes everyone linger nearby. The first time I made these Nutella Linzer Cookies, it was on a quiet afternoon when I needed a little sweetness and comfort, and watching the chocolate center melt into those heart-shaped cutouts felt instantly rewarding. The benefit for you is a beautiful, bakery-style cookie that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and is surprisingly approachable to make at home.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

These cookies bring together tender, buttery layers and a rich, glossy Nutella center that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Trust me, you’re going to love this, because they strike that perfect balance between soft, crisp, and creamy in every bite. This one’s a total game-changer when you want a treat that feels romantic, festive, or simply deeply satisfying with a cup of tea.

Behind the Recipe

Linzer cookies have always felt like a celebration cookie to me, something you bake when you want to slow down and enjoy the process. I wanted a version that leaned into pure comfort, swapping jam for Nutella to create that smooth, chocolate-hazelnut center that melts softly against the cookie. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, especially when shared or gifted with love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a soft yet sturdy cookie with a rich filling and a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures.

1. All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
2. Unsalted butter: 1 cup softened, adds richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, sweetens the dough without overpowering the filling.
4. Large egg: 1 at room temperature, binds the dough and adds softness.
5. Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, enhances the buttery and chocolate notes.
6. Cocoa powder: 1/4 cup unsweetened, gives half the dough its deep chocolate flavor.
7. Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, ensures a light, delicate crumb.
8. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
9. Nutella: 3/4 cup, creates the smooth, glossy chocolate-hazelnut center.
10. Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup, lightly dusted for a soft, elegant finish.

Time Needed to Make This Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes

Special Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need much, just a few simple tools to help shape and assemble these cookies beautifully.

Rolling pin: Helps roll the dough evenly for consistent baking.
Heart-shaped cookie cutter: Creates the classic Linzer look with a charming cutout.
Mixing bowls: Used to prepare and divide the dough smoothly.
Baking sheet: Provides even heat for perfectly baked cookies.
Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool fully before filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Take your time here and enjoy the process, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

1. Cream the butter and sugar: Beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Form the dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide and flavor: Split the dough in half and knead cocoa powder into one portion until evenly colored.
6. Chill the dough: Wrap both doughs and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
7. Roll and cut: Roll out each dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut matching shapes, cutting heart centers from half of them.
8. Bake the cookies: Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until set.
9. Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a rack and let them cool fully before filling.
10. Assemble the cookies: Spread Nutella on the solid cookies, top with cutout cookies, and gently press together.
11. Finish and serve: Lightly dust with powdered sugar and admire those glossy chocolate hearts.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Tips

Serve these cookies stacked on a simple white plate to let the heart-shaped centers shine, or arrange them on a wooden board with fresh berries for a pop of color. The contrast between the light vanilla dough, the darker chocolate layer, and the glossy Nutella center makes them look irresistible. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or warm milk for a cozy treat.

Extra Tips for Best Results

A few small details can make these cookies absolutely perfect.

• Chill the dough well to keep the shapes crisp and defined.
• Roll the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate.
• Let the cookies cool completely before filling to prevent melting.
• Use a small spoon or piping bag for neat Nutella filling.

Variations You Can Try

You can easily customize these cookies to suit different tastes and occasions.

1. All vanilla version: Skip the cocoa powder and keep all the dough plain for a lighter look and flavor.
2. Extra chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips to the Nutella filling for added texture.
3. Hazelnut crunch: Finely chop toasted hazelnuts and sprinkle them onto the Nutella before sandwiching.
4. Spiced twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for warmth and depth.
5. Mini Linzers: Use smaller cutters for bite-sized cookies perfect for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

These cookies are wonderfully make-ahead friendly, which makes them perfect for holidays or special occasions. You can prepare and bake the cookies a day in advance, storing them unfilled in an airtight container. Once assembled, they keep well for up to 4 days at room temperature, and you can refrigerate them if your kitchen is warm. For longer storage, freeze the unfilled cookies and assemble fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 18 cookies
Calories per serving: 210
Note: Approximate values.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 48 hours, which actually helps deepen the flavor and makes rolling easier.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens if the dough is too warm, so chilling it properly before baking is key.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?

You can freeze the baked, unfilled cookies for up to two months and fill them after thawing.

4. How do I get clean heart cutouts?

Dip the cutter in flour between cuts to keep the edges sharp and neat.

5. Can I use a different filling instead of Nutella?

Yes, any thick chocolate-hazelnut spread works well, as long as it is not too runny.

6. Should I dust powdered sugar before or after filling?

Dust the top cookie before assembling to keep the Nutella center clean and glossy.

7. Can I make these cookies softer?

Bake them just until set and avoid overbaking to keep them tender.

8. What flour works best for this recipe?

Standard all-purpose flour gives the best balance of softness and structure.

9. How thick should I roll the dough?

About 1/4 inch thickness works perfectly for even baking and sturdy cookies.

10. Are these good for gifting?

Absolutely, they travel well and look beautiful packaged in a box or tin.

Conclusion

These Nutella Linzer Cookies are the kind of treat that feels both comforting and special, perfect for sharing or savoring slowly. If you try them, I’d love for you to enjoy that moment when the soft cookie meets the creamy center, because let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

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