Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts: Prepare to fall head over heels for these decadent, bite-sized treats! Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy, dreamy filling infused with the delicate almond notes of Amaretto, all nestled within a tender, buttery cookie. These aren’t just cookies; they’re edible love letters, perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply to show someone you care.

The combination of mascarpone and Amaretto is a classic Italian pairing, evoking the romance and indulgence of Italian desserts. Mascarpone, a luxuriously smooth and rich cheese originating from the Lombardy region, has long been a staple in Italian sweets. Amaretto, with its distinctive almond flavor derived from apricot kernels, adds a touch of sophistication and warmth. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and elegant.

What makes these Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the melt-in-your-mouth filling against the slightly crisp cookie. The subtle sweetness is never cloying, and the Amaretto adds a delightful complexity. Plus, their charming heart shape makes them visually appealing and instantly celebratory. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, guaranteeing a batch of delightful treats that will impress everyone.

Ingredients:

• For the Almond Shortbread Hearts:
• 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 110g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (½ cup) almond flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the Mascarpone Amaretto Filling:
• 250g (1 cup) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 60ml (¼ cup) heavy cream
• 60ml (¼ cup) Amaretto liqueur
• 50g (¼ cup) powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Decoration (Optional):
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Toasted sliced almonds
• Chocolate shavings

Preparing the Almond Shortbread Hearts

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender shortbread.
2. Add Almond Extract: Stir in the almond extract until well combined. The almond extract enhances the nutty flavor of the shortbread and complements the Amaretto in the filling beautifully. Be careful not to add too much, as it can become overpowering.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Whisking ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for flavor balance. The almond flour adds a delicate crumb and nutty flavor to the shortbread.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough shortbread. Mix until the dough just comes together. It will be slightly crumbly, but that’s okay.
5. Form the Dough into a Disc: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disc, about 1 inch thick. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap.
6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step is essential for maintaining the heart shape.
7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup easier.
8. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Work quickly, as the dough will soften as it warms up. If the dough becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
9. Cut Out Heart Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies from the rolled-out dough. Dip the cookie cutter in flour before each cut to prevent the dough from sticking. Re-roll any scraps of dough and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
10. Bake the Cookies: Place the heart-shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about ½ inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.
11. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them on the baking sheet first prevents them from breaking.

Preparing the Mascarpone Amaretto Filling

1. Soften the Mascarpone Cheese: Ensure the mascarpone cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate the other ingredients and create a smooth, creamy filling.
2. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter. Stiff peaks are essential for providing structure to the filling.
3. Combine Mascarpone, Amaretto, and Powdered Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, Amaretto liqueur, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. The Amaretto adds a distinctive almond flavor that complements the shortbread beautifully. Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps in the filling.
4. Gently Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream, as this will result in a less airy filling. Folding ensures that the filling remains light and fluffy.
5. Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly. This will make it easier to pipe or spread onto the cookies.

Assembling the Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts

1. Prepare Piping Bag (Optional): If you want to pipe the filling onto the cookies, transfer the chilled filling to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. A star tip or a round tip works well. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off.
2. Pipe or Spread the Filling: Pipe or spread a generous amount of the Mascarpone Amaretto filling onto the flat side of half of the cooled almond shortbread hearts. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cookie.
3. Top with Another Cookie: Gently top each filled cookie with another almond shortbread heart, creating a sandwich. Press down lightly to secure the cookies together.
4. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Dust the assembled Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts with powdered sugar for a decorative touch. You can use a sifter or a small strainer to evenly distribute the powdered sugar.
5. Decorate (Optional): Decorate the edges of the cookies with toasted sliced almonds or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the cookies.
6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up completely. This will also enhance the flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts chilled and enjoy! These delicate and flavorful cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or any time you want a sweet treat.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. The creamy mascarpone, the subtle almond notes of the amaretto, and the delicate heart shape all combine to create a treat that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress, celebrate a special occasion, or simply indulge in a little bit of luxury. Why is it a must-try? Because it’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the elegant presentation fool you. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Plus, the flavor profile is simply divine. The richness of the mascarpone is perfectly balanced by the slight bitterness of the amaretto, creating a sophisticated and unforgettable taste. It’s a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe! But the best part? You can easily customize these little hearts to suit your own preferences. For a more intense almond flavor, try adding a few drops of almond extract to the mascarpone mixture. Or, if you’re not a fan of amaretto, you can substitute it with another liqueur, such as Frangelico (hazelnut) or even a splash of vanilla extract for a more classic flavor. Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! These Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts are perfect on their own, served chilled as a light and refreshing dessert. But they also pair beautifully with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, which add a touch of tartness that complements the creamy sweetness of the mascarpone. You could also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a more sophisticated presentation, try arranging the hearts on a platter with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate. You could also garnish them with a few chopped almonds or a sprig of mint. And if you’re feeling really creative, you could even use them as part of a larger dessert display, such as a dessert buffet or a tiered cake. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any occasion. And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about creating something that you love and sharing it with others. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your Mascarpone Amaretto Hearts turned out, what variations you tried, and what your guests thought. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!

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