Vegan Nutella Linzer Cookies: Buttery Chocolate-Vanilla Hearts Filled with Love

These Vegan Nutella Linzer Cookies are the perfect edible love letters. With their patchwork chocolate-and-vanilla hearts, rich nutty filling, and buttery shortbread-style bite, they’re made for sharing, gifting, and enjoying with someone special—or for yourself, because you deserve it.

Inspired by the traditional Austrian Linzer cookie, this plant-based version takes things to the next level with a two-tone heart pattern and luscious vegan chocolate hazelnut spread tucked into the center. Soft, elegant, and full of chocolate flavor, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies combine aesthetic appeal and crave-worthy texture in every bite:

• Two-toned chocolate and vanilla dough for a marbled, heart-in-heart look
• Naturally dairy- and egg-free with no compromise on texture
• Filled with creamy vegan Nutella that’s perfectly gooey at room temperature
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holiday baking
• Beautiful and gift-worthy with no extra decorating needed

They’re sweet, heartfelt, and perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just a cozy baking session with your favorite playlist.

Ingredient List (With Purpose)

For the Dough (Split into Two Flavors):

• Vegan butter: Adds richness and soft texture, mimicking classic shortbread.
• Powdered sugar: Melts easily into the dough for a smooth, tender bite.
• All-purpose flour: The base structure of the cookie; provides a clean snap when baked.
• Cornstarch: Helps soften the dough and keep it from spreading.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances both dough flavors.
• Cocoa powder: For the chocolate dough—deepens flavor and color naturally.
• Plant-based milk: Used only as needed to bring the dough together.
• Salt: Brings out the richness of both the chocolate and vanilla.

For the Filling:

• Vegan chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella alternative): Rich, creamy, and spreadable. Choose a clean-label version or make your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream the vegan butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
2. Add vanilla extract and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in flour and cornstarch until just combined. The dough will be crumbly at first but should come together as you press it.
4. Divide dough in half. To one half, add the cocoa powder and knead gently to incorporate. If either dough feels dry, add 1 tsp plant milk at a time until pliable but not sticky.
5. Flatten each dough into a disc, wrap in parchment or plastic wrap, and chill for 30–45 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Patchwork Pattern

1. Roll out each dough separately to about ¼ inch thickness.
2. Use small heart cutters to punch out heart shapes in both colors. Swap some chocolate hearts into the vanilla dough and vice versa to create a “patchwork” look.
3. Gently roll over the patchwork doughs with your rolling pin once more to press the small hearts into the base dough without distorting the pattern.
4. Use a large heart-shaped cutter to cut out full hearts from the patterned dough.
5. For half of the cookies, cut out a smaller heart in the center to create the top layer of the Linzer sandwich.

Step 3: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Carefully transfer the shaped cookies to the tray. Chill for 10 minutes to help them hold shape.
3. Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set. They should not brown much.
4. Let cool fully on the tray—vegan cookies are delicate when warm.

Step 4: Fill and Assemble

1. Spoon or pipe vegan Nutella onto the flat side of each full cookie.
2. Gently place a cookie with a cut-out heart window on top, pressing lightly to sandwich.
3. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted vegan chocolate.

Tips for Success

• Chill your dough after cutting shapes to preserve crisp edges during baking.
• Use parchment or silicone mats to keep the bottoms soft and prevent over-browning.
• If your dough cracks while rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes at room temp to soften slightly.
• For clean cutouts, dip your cookie cutters in flour or cocoa before each cut.
• These cookies look great with a glossy finish—store them at room temp to keep the Nutella soft and shiny.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps up to a week; allow to come to room temperature before serving so the Nutella softens.

Freezer: Freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer and store in bags for up to 2 months. Fill after thawing.

Enjoy!

These Vegan Nutella Linzer Cookies are buttery, chocolaty, and packed with personality—just like your favorite Valentine. With a creative patchwork design and creamy filling, they’re perfect for showing someone you care through something homemade, heartfelt, and completely plant-based.

Serve them with tea, gift them in pretty boxes, or keep a stash all to yourself. However you share them, they’re bound to become a sweet tradition.