Sparkly Valentine’s Linzer Cookies

Valentine’s Day deserves cookies that are a little extra. And by extra, I mean pink, sparkly, chocolate-filled, and unapologetically dressed for the occasion. Enter these Pink Sparkly Valentine’s Linzer Cookies with Chocolate Cinnamon Ganache Filling. Because nothing says romance quite like a sandwich cookie wearing glitter.

The inspiration comes from a set of Valentine’s Linzer cookie cutters from Williams Sonoma. They feature interchangeable inserts with different Valentine’s motifs. Naturally, I cannot be trusted with cookie cutters that offer this many decorating possibilities. A little cookie cutter enthusiasm later, and these festive beauties are born.

However, these aren’t your ordinary Linzer cookies. First, the buttery cookie dough gets a citrus upgrade. Lemon extract and fresh orange zest add a bright, fragrant flavor that balances the rich chocolate filling. Meanwhile, the chocolate ganache gets a generous pinch of cinnamon. This little addition gives the filling warmth and depth. Think chocolate meets cozy winter spice. Deliciously appropriate for February.

But let’s talk about the sparkle. That’s where things get interesting. I mix pink disco dust into powdered sugar for dipping the top cookies. Once assembled, the exposed cookie tops get a delicate pink shimmer. They’re sparkly without looking like they lost a fight with a craft store.

A Little Linzer Cookie History

Linzer cookies take their inspiration from the famous Austrian Linzer Torte. This traditional pastry originates in Linz, Austria, and features a nutty crust, fruit preserves, and a lattice-style top. Linzer cookies borrow that signature windowpane design, traditionally revealing jam through a cutout in the top cookie.

For this Valentine’s version, chocolate cinnamon ganache takes center stage instead.

Tips for Making Valentine’s Linzer Cookies

Chill the dough before rolling. This makes cutting shapes easier and helps cookies hold their definition.

Roll the dough evenly so the tops and bottoms bake at the same rate.

Cut the decorative windows from half the cookies before baking.

Let the cookies cool completely before filling them.

Dust the tops with the pink sparkling powdered sugar before assembling. This keeps the ganache from getting buried under a sugar avalanche.

These Pink Sparkly Valentine’s Linzer Cookies with Chocolate Cinnamon Ganache Filling make a fabulous edible Valentine’s Day gift. They’re buttery, citrusy, chocolatey, and just the right amount of ridiculous. After all, love is wonderful. But love with cookies is even better.

Print

Sparkly Valentine's Linzer Cookies with Chocolate Cinnamon Ganache

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Austrian, European

Keyword Chocolate Cinnamon Ganache, Linzer Cookies, Pink Linzer Cookies, Valentine's Linzer Cookies, Valentine's Recipes

Prep Time 35 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Servings 1 Dozen

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup ground blanched almonds
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 - 2/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
• pink disco dust

For the Ganache:

• 5 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Make the cookies:

1. Whisk flour, almonds, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar.
3. Add egg yolks one at a time.
4. Add orange zest and lemon extract until blended.
5. Add the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic cling film. Chill for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350F.
8. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface.
9. Using the Linzer cutter* (without the insert), cut approximately 20 shapes for the backs or bottoms of the cookie.
10. Insert the cutout shape into the cookie cutter and cut out several. Switch and repeat using the insert shapes you like.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
12. Remove from oven and transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling:

1. Place chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl.
2. Heat cream until it boils.
3. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate, whisking until it melts.
4. Add cinnamon and blend thoroughly

Assemble the Cookies

1. Using a small spatula or butter knife, spread a thin layer of ganache on the bottom part of the cookie.
2. In a small bowl, using a small fork or a tiny whisk, mix the glitter dust into the powdered sugar a little at a time until the sugar is tinted.
3. Dip each cookie half into the tinted sugar. Shake off the excess and pair up a solid bottom half with a cutout top.
4. Plate and serve.

Recipe Notes

* If you don't have inserts, you can use a fluted or plain round cutter and cut all your cookies at once and then use a small cookie cutter, round, heart, etc. to cut out the remaining cookie halves with inserts.

So, do you like these Pink Sparkly Valentine’s Linzer Cookies with Chocolate Cinnamon Ganache Filling? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:

CRANBERRY LINZER TORT

PECAN PINEAPPLE LINZER COOKIES

LINZER CHERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE STICKS