There’s something undeniably charming about baking cookies that capture the heart, both literally and figuratively. Heart Jam Cookies are not only delicious but also a perfect treat for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just a gesture of love for someone special. With a rich buttery flavor, a soft, tender texture, and a sweet fruit jam center, they’re sure to be a hit. You can whip them up in approximately an hour and enjoy every moment, whether you’re baking alone or sharing the experience with loved ones.
These cookies are special not just because of their delightful taste but also for their appealing presentation. The heart shape signifies affection, making them ideal for gifting. Plus, the combination of almond and vanilla extracts offers a comforting aroma while baking, creating an inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.
Why you’ll love these cookies
- Quick to prepare, with minimal cooling time.
- Irresistible buttery flavor with a fruity surprise.
- Easy enough for even novice bakers.
- Beautifully presented with heart shapes perfect for gifting.
- Freezer-friendly, allowing for make-ahead convenience.
"These cookies taste incredible and are so simple to make."
How this recipe comes together
The process of making Heart Jam Cookies begins with preparing the dough and chilling it to ensure a perfect texture. You’ll mix your dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugars, and then combine everything into a smooth dough. After shaping them into balls and pressing in a heart shape, the cookies are chilled before baking. This method guarantees tender and tasty cookies, with the jam perfectly nestled in the center.
What you’ll need
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Ingredient notes & swaps
- All-purpose flour: Essential for structure; can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the best flavor; salted butter can work, just omit added salt.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slightly caramel flavor; can use granulated sugar if necessary.
- Jam filling: Raspberry is a classic choice, but feel free to use strawberry or apricot.
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s delve into how to make these lovely cookies step-by-step, ensuring they turn out perfect!
- Line two 13×9 baking sheets with well-fitting parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- In the large bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream the butter and the sugars together using the paddle attachment. Start at medium speed and gradually increase to medium-high, mixing for 2-3 minutes until lighter and creamy.
- Scrape down the bowl and mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
- Set your mixer to low speed and slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Using a 1-tablespoon-sized dough scoop, portion out the dough and roll them as smoothly as possible between your palms.
- Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently press a heart shape into the top of each cookie dough ball with your pinky finger.
- Place the cookie sheets in the freezer for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Once chilled, pull the baking sheets from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the raspberry jam for 10-15 seconds until a little runny. Using a 1/4 teaspoon or small spoon, fill each heart indent to the brim with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
- Bake each tray for 10-12 minutes, until the cookie edges just start to turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Pro Tip:
For the best results, be sure to chill your cookie dough before baking. This helps maintain their shape and results in a tender bite!
Helpful cooking tips
- Consistency: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Jam: Don’t skip heating the jam; it makes it easier to fill the hearts without overflowing.
- Baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies to avoid overbaking; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Smooth dough balls: Rolling the dough between your palms is key to a nice, even shape.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve your Heart Jam Cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for an ideal afternoon treat. Pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
How to store & freeze
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.
How to fix common issues
- Dough too crumbly: This may happen if there’s too much flour or not enough butter. Add a bit more butter, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
- Cookies spreading too much: Ensure your dough is chilled. Warm dough will spread more while baking.
- Dry cookies: Overbaking can lead to dryness; monitor the last few minutes closely and remove them just as the edges begin to brown.
Recipe variations
Feel free to get creative with your Heart Jam Cookies! Consider using chocolate chips or nuts in the dough for added texture. You can also swap the raspberry jam for lemon curd or Nutella for different flavor profiles.
Common questions
Can I use different fillings besides jam?
Absolutely! Nutella or lemon curd are great alternatives if you want to mix things up. Just ensure they’re thick enough not to run out during baking.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! They are beautifully shaped and packaged in a decorative box will make an excellent gift for loved ones on special occasions.
What is the best way to reheat cookies?
For fresh taste, gently reheat cookies in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature. This brings back some freshness without making them tough.
Can the dough be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Or freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh when you’re ready for warm cookies.
Enjoy making these Heart Jam Cookies; they’re sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your baking days!
Heart Jam Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Line two 13x9 baking sheets with well-fitting parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and the sugars together using a stand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until lighter and creamy.
- Scrape down the bowl and mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
- Set your mixer to low speed and slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Using a 1-tablespoon-sized dough scoop, portion out the dough and roll them into smooth balls.
- Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets and gently press a heart shape into the top.
- Place the cookie sheets in the freezer for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Once chilled, preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat the raspberry jam in a small microwave-safe bowl for 10-15 seconds until a little runny.
- Fill each heart indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.