Name: Red Velvet Linzer Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup superfine almond flour; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup vegan butter (or butter of choice); 2 eggs; 2 tsp Red Velvet Emulsion; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup organic shortening (or butter of choice); 1/2 cup softened cream cheese; 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 tsp fine lemon zest; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Powdered sugar for dusting; Heart cookie cutter; Small fondant heart cutter or shape of choice; Parchment paper & baking sheets; Piping bag; Rolling pin

Jump to Recipe

Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are a beautifully decadent dessert that combines the rich flavor of red velvet with a delicate, buttery texture. These stunning cookies feature a soft, red velvet dough filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting, then finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat any time, these cookies are sure to impress with their vibrant color and irresistible flavor. Their combination of textures, from the soft cookie to the creamy center, makes each bite an indulgent experience.

The beauty of Red Velvet Linzer Cookies lies not just in their taste but also in their visual appeal. The heart-shaped cutouts reveal the creamy frosting inside, offering a delightful surprise with every bite. These cookies are perfect for celebrations, Valentine’s Day, or even as a gift for someone special. They look sophisticated but are easy to make, ensuring that they’ll be a hit wherever they are served. With just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess, these cookies truly stand out as a treat you’ll love to make and share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are a delightful combination of flavors that are sure to captivate anyone who tries them. The dough has a rich, tender texture with a subtle cocoa flavor that perfectly complements the sweet cream cheese filling. The vibrant red hue makes these cookies particularly eye-catching, and the heart-shaped cutout adds an extra touch of charm. The cream cheese frosting provides a tangy sweetness that balances the cookie’s richness, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dessert. Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also simple to prepare and perfect for gifting or serving at special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

All purpose flour
Super fine almond flour
Cocoa powder
Granulated sugar
Vegan butter (or butter of choice)
Eggs
Red Velvet Emulsion
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Organic shortening (or butter of choice)
Softened cream cheese
Confectioners sugar
Fine lemon zest
Vanilla
Pinch of salt

For Dusting:

Powdered sugar

Tools:

Heart cookie cutter
Small fondant heart cutter or shape of choice
Parchment paper
Baking sheets
Piping bag
Rolling pin

Variations

Flavor Twist: For a different flavor profile, you can replace the red velvet emulsion with vanilla extract or any flavoring you prefer.
Different Fillings: While cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, you could also fill the cookies with raspberry jam, chocolate ganache, or even a whipped buttercream.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Mini Linzer Cookies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to create bite-sized versions of these cookies, perfect for parties or snacks.
Nut-Free Option: If almond flour isn’t suitable, you can replace it with more all-purpose flour to keep the cookies nut-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the edges of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs, red velvet emulsion, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth and combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on medium speed. Continue mixing until the dough forms and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it becomes manageable.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out approximately 2 dozen cookie circles or hearts. For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart cutter to cut a shape in the center.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Transfer the cookies (still on parchment paper) to a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes for soft cookies. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In the stand mixer, beat together the shortening, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the lemon zest, vanilla, and salt, and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Assemble the Cookies

Pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the tops of the solid heart-shaped cookies. Place the cutout cookies on top to form a sandwich. Lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.

Step 9: Serve

Store the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate if not serving immediately. Allow the cookies to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Dough Thickness: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure the cookies bake uniformly.
Avoid Overbaking: Be sure to bake the cookies just until they are soft. Overbaking can cause them to become too crispy for the texture you’re aiming for.
Cream Cheese Frosting Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing for a smoother frosting.
Cookie Cutter Choice: You can experiment with different shaped cookie cutters to customize your cookies for different occasions.

How to Serve

Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are perfect for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or holidays. They are also wonderful for gifting, as they have a visually stunning appearance and taste. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or simply enjoy them on their own as a delightful treat after a meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Red Velvet Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, it may be best to store them in the fridge to preserve the cream cheese frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies if you want to prepare them ahead of time. After assembling the cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

These cookies are best served at room temperature. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without red velvet emulsion?

Yes, you can use regular vanilla extract if you don’t have red velvet emulsion. However, it may affect the color of the cookies.

2. Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can use buttercream or a different filling like raspberry jam if you prefer.

3. Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this dough does not require chilling, making the process quicker and easier.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute if you prefer.

5. How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can use colored sugar, sprinkles, or edible glitter to decorate the cookies and make them even more festive.

6. Can I use a different kind of flour?

You can substitute almond flour with more all-purpose flour if you want to make the recipe nut-free.

7. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be soft and slightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up after cooling.

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before rolling and cutting the cookies. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

9. Can I use a different flavor of frosting?

Yes, you can use chocolate, vanilla, or even fruit-flavored frosting to change up the flavor.

10. How do I prevent the frosting from spilling out when assembling the cookies?

Use a piping bag with a small round tip to carefully pipe the frosting onto the cookies. Make sure to not overfill them to prevent the frosting from spilling.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Linzer Cookies are a visually stunning and delicious treat perfect for any celebration. With their soft, cocoa-infused dough and creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, these cookies are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. The combination of flavors, textures, and beautiful presentation makes them a showstopper dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.