Few things say “I love you” quite like a plate of homemade heart-shaped cookies filled with vibrant, jewel-toned jam. These Heart Jam Cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or simply a quiet afternoon spent baking something memorable. Soft, buttery, and delicately sweet, they’re a classic dessert that feels as cozy as a handwritten love letter.
This recipe carries a sense of tradition and nostalgia. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making similar cookies in her tiny, flour-dusted kitchen. She’d carefully cut out each shape, then fill them with her homemade raspberry jam. That first bite—crumbly and sweet with just a hint of tang from the jam—always felt magical. Whether you’re looking to recreate those nostalgic moments or craft your own, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Beautiful Presentation: These cookies are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. Their heart-shaped cutouts and glossy jam centers make them a showstopper.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making this recipe an accessible yet impressive dessert.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can switch up the jam flavors or even experiment with cookie shapes for different occasions.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a pretty box or tin, and they make a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended for a touch of elegance)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (your choice of jam, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Heart Jam Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined. - Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable. - Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking and makes it easier to work with. - Roll and Cut the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. For half of the cookies, cut out a smaller heart in the center to create the “window” for the jam. - Bake the Cookies:
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake—they should remain pale and tender. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. - Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, spread a thin layer of jam on the bottom (solid) cookie. Place the “windowed” cookie on top and gently press them together to create a sandwich. If desired, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish.
Helpful Tips:
- Choose Your Jam Wisely: For the best results, use a thick, seedless jam. If your jam is too runny, heat it gently in a saucepan to thicken it up, then let it cool before using.
- Get Creative with Shapes: Don’t feel limited to hearts—stars, circles, or flowers are just as delightful! Adjust the cutout shapes to suit the occasion.
- Prevent Sticky Dough: If the dough gets too warm while rolling or cutting, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
- Storage: These cookies store well! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: About 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- Feel free to experiment with different extracts—lemon or orange extract can add a bright, zesty twist to the cookie dough.
- These cookies make a wonderful activity for kids—let them help with cutting the shapes or assembling the sandwiches!
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
2. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely. While jam is traditional, you could use chocolate spread, nut butter, or even lemon curd for a different flavor profile.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from breaking?
Handle the cookies gently, especially after baking. Allow them to cool completely before assembling to reduce the risk of breaking.
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Conclusion
Making these Heart Jam Cookies is more than just baking—it’s about creating moments of love, connection, and joy. Whether you’re making them for a loved one or indulging in a little self-care baking session, these cookies are a labor of love that’s well worth the effort. So grab your rolling pin, your favorite jam, and your warmest memories, and let’s bake something unforgettable!
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Heart Jam Cookies: A Sweet Way to Share Love
Description
Few things say “I love you” quite like a plate of homemade heart-shaped cookies filled with vibrant, jewel-toned jam. These Heart Jam Cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or simply a quiet afternoon spent baking something memorable. Soft, buttery, and delicately sweet, they’re a classic dessert that feels as cozy as a handwritten love letter.
This recipe carries a sense of tradition and nostalgia. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making similar cookies in her tiny, flour-dusted kitchen. She’d carefully cut out each shape, then fill them with her homemade raspberry jam. That first bite—crumbly and sweet with just a hint of tang from the jam—always felt magical. Whether you’re looking to recreate those nostalgic moments or craft your own, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended for a touch of elegance)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (your choice of jam, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined. - Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable. - Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking and makes it easier to work with. - Roll and Cut the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. For half of the cookies, cut out a smaller heart in the center to create the “window” for the jam. - Bake the Cookies:
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake—they should remain pale and tender. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. - Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, spread a thin layer of jam on the bottom (solid) cookie. Place the “windowed” cookie on top and gently press them together to create a sandwich. If desired, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different extracts—lemon or orange extract can add a bright, zesty twist to the cookie dough.
- These cookies make a wonderful activity for kids—let them help with cutting the shapes or assembling the sandwiches!