What are Nutella Linzer cookies?

Nutella Linzer cookies are a twist on the classic Austrian Linzer cookies, featuring two crisp, buttery shortbread rounds sandwiched with creamy Nutella hazelnut spread instead of traditional jam. The top cookie has a cutout window to showcase the filling, making them festive for holidays. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, almonds, and cocoa, they offer a nutty crunch and rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor. Perfect for cookie swaps or gifts, one batch yields about 20-24 cookies. They're easier than they look and store well for up to two weeks. (72 words)

How do I make Nutella Linzer cookies from scratch?

Start by creaming 1 cup softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix in 2 cups flour, ½ cup ground almonds, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt to form dough. Chill 1 hour. Roll out to ⅛-inch thick, cut 3-inch rounds and matching cutouts. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until firm. Cool completely, spread Nutella on bottoms, top with cutouts. Dust with powdered sugar. Total time: 45 minutes active, plus chilling. Yields 20 cookies. Pro tip: Use matching cookie cutters for clean edges. (98 words)

Can you freeze Nutella Linzer cookies?

Yes, Nutella Linzer cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Bake and cool cookies completely first—do not fill them before freezing to avoid sogginess. Layer unfilled cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, then spread 1-2 tsp Nutella on the bottom cookie and sandwich. For filled cookies, freeze assembled ones on a tray for 2 hours, then transfer to bags; thaw similarly. This keeps them crisp. Avoid refreezing thawed cookies for best texture. (92 words)

How long do Nutella Linzer cookies last?

Homemade Nutella Linzer cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days, thanks to the stable Nutella filling. The buttery dough softens slightly after day 3, so enjoy early for maximum crunch. In the fridge, they last up to 2 weeks, but bring to room temp before serving to restore crispness. For longer storage, freeze as noted. High humidity can make them softer faster—store in a cool, dry spot. Always check for off smells or mold before eating. A fun fact: They taste even better on day 2 as flavors meld. (102 words)

What's the best way to store Nutella Linzer cookies?

Store Nutella Linzer cookies in a single layer in an airtight tin or container lined with parchment to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry away from heat or moisture for 5-7 days of peak freshness. Stack layers with parchment separators if needed. For fridge storage (up to 2 weeks), wrap individually in plastic first. Never use plastic bags alone, as they trap moisture and soften the cookies. Label containers with dates. This method preserves the snap of the shortbread and creaminess of Nutella. Refresh with a quick sugar dusting before serving. (96 words)

Easy Nutella Linzer Cookies Recipe Perfect for Holidays

Name: Nutella Linzer Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: Austrian
Ingredients: – 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Creates tender, melt-in-mouth shortbread bases for the linzer cookies.; – ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens smoothly without gritty texture, ideal for delicate dough.; – 1 tsp vanilla extract – Boosts aroma and pairs perfectly with hazelnut notes in Nutella cookies.; – 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and crispness to these sandwich cookies.; – ½ cup finely ground almonds – Adds nutty crunch and moisture, echoing hazelnut cookies vibe.; – ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Infuses rich chocolate flavor into the dough.; – Pinch of salt (about ¼ tsp) – Balances sweetness for well-rounded taste.; – 1 jar (13 oz) Nutella hazelnut spread – Fills the centers with creamy, indulgent hazelnut chocolate goodness; use 1-2 tsp per cookie.

Ingredients

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Creates tender, melt-in-mouth shortbread bases for the linzer cookies.

– ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens smoothly without gritty texture, ideal for delicate dough.

– 1 tsp vanilla extract – Boosts aroma and pairs perfectly with hazelnut notes in Nutella cookies.

– 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and crispness to these sandwich cookies.

– ½ cup finely ground almonds – Adds nutty crunch and moisture, echoing hazelnut cookies vibe.

– ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Infuses rich chocolate flavor into the dough.

– Pinch of salt (about ¼ tsp) – Balances sweetness for well-rounded taste.

– 1 jar (13 oz) Nutella hazelnut spread – Fills the centers with creamy, indulgent hazelnut chocolate goodness; use 1-2 tsp per cookie.

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Instructions

1-First Step: Cream the wet ingredients Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This base ensures tender linzer cookies. For vegan adaptation, use plant-based butter here.

2-Second Step: Mix in dry ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, ½ cup ground almonds, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and pinch of salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix to keep hazelnut cookies crisp. If gluten-free, incorporate your flour blend now.

3-Third Step: Chill the dough Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight). Chilling prevents spreading and eases rolling for even Nutella Linzer cookies. Busy parents can prep ahead for quick assembly later.

4-Fourth Step: Roll out the dough Work with one disc at a time on a lightly floured surface. Roll to ⅛-inch thickness for delicate sandwich cookies. Thinner dough yields crisper results. Keep the other disc chilled.

5-Fifth Step: Cut the cookies Use a 3-inch round cutter for 20-24 bottoms. For tops, use the same cutter plus a 1-inch cutout (star or heart for festive Christmas Nutella Linzer cookies). Match pairs perfectly. Re-roll scraps once. Place on sheets 1 inch apart. For low-calorie, skip re-rolling to reduce density.

6-Sixth Step: Bake the cookies Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges firm but centers soft. Rotate sheets halfway. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks completely. Patience here prevents breakage for sturdy Nutella filled Linzer cookies.

7-Seventh Step: Assemble the sandwiches Spread 1-2 tsp Nutella on flat side of each bottom cookie. Top with matching cutout cookie, pressing gently. The window showcases the filling beautifully.

8-Final Step: Dust and serve Sift powdered sugar over tops for snowy look. Let set 30 minutes. Serve at room temp. Pair with milk or coffee. Store as detailed later. These easy Nutella Linzer cookies impress at parties or as gifts for seniors and food enthusiasts.

Notes

🍫 Chill the dough well to prevent spreading and maintain clean cutout shapes during rolling.
❤️ Use a matching small cutter for the windows to allow Nutella to show through elegantly without excess spread.
❄️ Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months; assemble with fresh Nutella after thawing for best texture.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Austrian
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150 calories
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg