If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that blends buttery softness with a tender almond crunch, then you’re going to adore this Almond Heart Cookies Recipe. These charming, heart-shaped delights sandwich a sweet layer of raspberry jam, offering a perfect balance of nutty depth and fruity brightness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring warmth and joy to every bite, making them an absolute favorite to share or savor solo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Almond Heart Cookies Recipe just right starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final texture and flavor. From the rich butter to the subtle almond extract, you’ll love how each element contributes to the cookie’s inviting appeal.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Brings rich creaminess and a tender crumb to the dough, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and helps achieve that lovely golden edge when baked.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that unmistakable nutty essence that defines these cookies.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base of the dough, providing structure and mild flavor.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift, preventing them from becoming too dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and accentuates the buttery flavor.
- Finely ground almonds (1/3 cup): Infuses delightful almond texture and adds a bit of natural moisture.
- Raspberry jam or cherry preserves (1/4 cup): The bright, tart filling that brightens each sandwich cookie.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a pretty, snowy finish that’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
How to Make Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter together with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, which will give your cookies a wonderfully tender texture. Take your time here to ensure the mixture looks creamy and pale.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts until everything is fully combined. These extracts are what give the cookies their characteristic aroma and an extra dimension of almond flavor. Make sure the mixture is smooth and glossy before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and finely ground almonds in a separate bowl. The ground almonds are the secret ingredient that add texture and nuttiness, elevating this cookie above the ordinary.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring thoroughly until a soft dough forms. Once combined, split the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling period helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and cleaner cookie shapes.
Step 5: Roll and Cut into Hearts
Once chilled, roll out your dough onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your cookies. For half of these hearts, use a smaller heart cutter to remove the centers — these will be the beautiful top halves of your sandwich cookies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place all the cut-out cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges start to turn a gentle golden color. Allow them to cool completely to avoid smudging the jam later.
Step 7: Assemble Cookie Sandwiches
Spread a small spoonful of raspberry jam on the solid heart cookies, then gently press the cut-out hearts on top to create charming sandwich cookies. Finally, dust with powdered sugar for that extra touch of loveliness and sweetness.
How to Serve Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Almond Heart Cookies Recipe shine on the plate, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint can add a pop of color and freshness that complements the almond and jam perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them ideal for afternoon tea parties or cozy evenings. You might also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mild cheese like mascarpone for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies stacked in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon for gifts, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to impress at any gathering. For a romantic touch, line them up on heart-shaped plates or nestle them into little cupcake liners for an inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Almond Heart Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay deliciously tender for up to a week, though honestly, they rarely last that long once people get a taste!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully for up to one month. To freeze, assemble the sandwich cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Defrost them gently at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you like your cookies slightly warm, simply heat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or until gently warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it might soften the jam too much and make them messy—gentle warming preserves their structure and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond extract or don’t have any on hand, you can replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. While it changes the flavor profile slightly, the cookies will still be deliciously fragrant and tender.
What kind of jam works best for these cookies?
Raspberry and cherry jams are ideal because their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet, nutty dough. However, you can experiment with strawberry or even apricot preserves if you prefer a different fruity twist.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is key for two reasons: it firms up the butter so the dough is easier to handle and cut cleanly into shapes, and it helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, preventing spreading too much.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure, and your cookies should turn out just as delightful.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated after assembling?
There’s no need to refrigerate once the cookies are sandwiched with jam. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigeration can actually dry them out, so it’s best kept to a minimum.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered the magic of this Almond Heart Cookies Recipe, I hope you’ll jump in and try baking these tender, nutty delights yourself. They’re perfect for gifting, celebrating, or simply enjoying with a quiet moment of sweetness. Go ahead—fill your kitchen with their warm aroma and your heart with joy!
Print
Almond Heart Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully tender Almond Heart Cookies made with ground almonds and a touch of almond extract, filled with sweet raspberry or cherry jam, and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, these charming sandwich cookies offer a delicate balance of nutty flavor and fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup finely ground almonds
Filling & Topping
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam or cherry preserves
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and finely ground almonds.
- Mix to form dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and cut cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart cookies. For half of these cookies, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center, creating a window.
- Bake: Transfer all cookies to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden.
- Cool completely: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread a small amount of raspberry or cherry jam on each whole (non-cut-out) heart cookie, then top with the corresponding cut-out cookie to create sandwich cookies.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the assembled sandwich cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the almond extract with more vanilla extract if you prefer a milder almond flavor.
- Use any red fruit jam such as raspberry or cherry for best flavor and color contrast.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
