These easy chia jam linzer cookies are the cutest cookies to show someone how much you love them and they're filled with a naturally sweetened chia jam!
Baking and food has always been the way to my heart. Don't believe me? Read my post on my sugar cookie baked oats. I will take baked goods over flowers and chocolate any day. There's just something so special about knowing someone made something completely from scratch for you. THAT's exactly what these cookies are about. A fruity, refined sugar free chia jam, sandwiched between two buttery, crisp cookies... and all in the shape of a heart. That's what true love is for me.
I made these chia jam Linzer cookies over a year ago but to be honest, I didn't know what a Linzer cookie was until last week. I was watching the Great Canadian Baking Show the other day and the contestants were asked to make them and I was like OH that's what I made! I've been calling these chia jam sandwich cookies, or even window cookies. Both of which are still true but when a classic cookie has a classic name we're going to go with that because why not? So let me introduce you to: the Chia Jam Linzer Cookie.
What is a Linzer cookie?
I honestly don't know how it took me so long to learn the name of these cookies. I've been eating them for YEARS. So to make up for my lack of knowledge I decided to dive into some resarch on the history of the Linzer cookie.
Linzer cookies first originated from Linz, Austria but now are seen as a staple holiday recipe in cities around the globe. When they first first created, bakers would make a batch of Linzertorte dough and instead of making pie they would cut out shapes and bake the dough as cookies. Once baked, sandwich cookies would be constructed using a whole cookie, a cutout cookie and berry preserves.
Now you may notice that my cookies aren't made with the classic shortbread dough or berry preserves a linzer cookie is typically made with. As I do with all my recipes, I decided to take a few creative liberties like using a sugar cookie dough and chia jam!
Do I have to use heart cookie cutters?
No! absolutely not. I chose to use heart shaped cookie cutters to make these cookies especially special for Valentine's Day. However choose whatever cookie cutters you have on hand to suit your seasonal needs. You can choose stars, squares, diamonds or you can even just choose to go with circles for an easy option!
What Ingredients do I need to make Chia Jam Linzer Cookies?
Coconut Oil- I love using coconut oil in my baked goods because I love the subtle coconut flavour it adds. However if you prefer butter, feel free to substitute the coconut oil for butter 1:1!
Almond Flour- I chose to use almond flour because it creates such a soft cookie which I thought would be perfect for these! PLUS it makes these cute chia jam linzer cookies gluten free! However if you prefer all-purpose flour you can substitute it 1 for 1, your cookie may just be a bit more dense.
Sugar- You can't have sugar cookies without a little sugar! This recipe only calls for ½ a cup of sugar- TOTAL! So I wouldn't recommend substituting it with anything else.
Honey- For a touch of added sweetness! I have not personally tried to substitute this with anything else, so if you decide to try please let me know how it goes in the comments!
Chia Jam- You really can use any jam you want but I love using my 3-ingredient chia jam because it's super easy to make, has some added healthy fats from the chia seeds and has no refined sugar! You can find the recipe here: easy 3-ingredient chia jam!
Almond extract- The secret to getting the BEST sugar cookie ever. I personally love almond extract. I could add it to any baked good and be so happy. It brings such a unique flavour to sugar cookie flavoured baked goods and I love how it tastes in these!
I always love seeing my recipes in action! If you make these chia jam linzer cookies don't forget to tag my on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or a leave a comment below letting me know how they turned out!
📖 Recipe
Chia Jam Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups almond flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut oil softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- ½ cup strawberry or raspberry chia jam
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
- In a separate bowl whisk together coconut oil, sugar, honey, vanilla, almond extract and eggs.
- Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredient bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until well combined (you may need to use your hands to ensure all the flour is mixed in!).
- Once dough is formed, divide the dough into 2 equal discs and wrap with cling wrap. Place in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours.
- After 2 hours, preheat the oven to 350°F, roll out the dough until it is about ¼ inch thick and use heart shaped cookie cutters (to create the window for the top cookie- use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out centers from ½ of the hearts!).
- Arrange cookies on a baking tray and bake for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies JUST begin to brown.
- Once cooled, spoon about 1 teaspoon of chia jam ( or jam of choice) onto the bottom cookie and sandwich with a window cookie and sprinkle with a bit of icing sugar.
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