Nussherzen Nut Hearts

If you’re looking to infuse your home with the delightful aromas and flavors of a traditional Austrian Christmas, then you’re in for a treat with this classic recipe for Nussherzen Nut Hearts. These sweet and nutty cookies are a staple of holiday baking in Austria, known for their rich taste and festive heart shape. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, Nussherzen Nut Hearts are sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

Nussherzen Nut Hearts

Ingredients:
– 1 cup finely ground walnuts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Raspberry or apricot jam for filling
– Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground walnuts and all-purpose flour. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the walnut-flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a touch of milk to help bring it together.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
7. Place half of the heart-shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Using a smaller heart-shaped cutter, remove the centers from the remaining cookies to create a window.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a thin layer of raspberry or apricot jam on the solid heart-shaped cookies. Top each with a windowed cookie to create a sandwich.
11. Dust the tops of the Nussherzen Nut Hearts with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy with a cup of your favorite hot beverage or share them with loved ones during the holiday season.

These Nussherzen Nut Hearts are not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to bring a taste of Austrian holiday tradition into your home. Share them as gifts, serve them at parties, or simply enjoy them with your loved ones as you celebrate the magic of the season. Their buttery, nutty flavor and tender texture make them a perfect indulgence for cozy winter evenings. So, why not add these delightful cookies to your holiday baking plans and create special memories to cherish for years to come?