These cookies are pure love in bite-sized form. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a heart-shaped dollop of sweet jam in the center. They’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, a thoughtful gift, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies bring charm and flavor to any occasion. Trust me once you bake these, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is more than just baking it’s about creating joy. Whether you’re making these cookies to celebrate a special moment or just because here’s why they’re irresistible:
Versatile: These cookies are perfect for everything from a romantic dessert to a fun baking project with kids. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Eye-Catching: The heart-shaped jam centers make these cookies Instagram-worthy and the star of any cookie platter.
Simple Yet Elegant: With a short list of ingredients, you’ll create cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Customizable: Use your favorite jam flavors—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even something unique like fig or mango.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a sweet, buttery cookie with a touch of fruity jam. They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Ingredients in Heart Jam Cookies
Here’s the charm of these cookies—they’re made with pantry staples, but the result is buttery, crumbly perfection:
Unsalted Butter: The base of the cookies. Butter gives them that irresistible, rich flavor. Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a tender texture.
Egg Yolk: Adds richness and binds the dough together.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, sweet notes.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookies. Be sure to measure it accurately for the perfect texture.
Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
Jam of Choice: The star of the show! Use your favorite fruit jam for that signature thumbprint center.
Instructions to Make Heart Jam Cookies
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a tender and airy cookie base.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until the dough comes together, but avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Heart Indent: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or your thumb, press into the center of each cookie to create a heart shape. Be gentle to avoid cracking the dough.
Add the Jam: Spoon a small amount of jam into each heart-shaped indent. Don’t overfill to prevent spillage during baking.
Bake: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate these beauties and watch them disappear. Trust me, one is never enough!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approx. 90
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
How to Serve Heart Jam Cookies
With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a frothy latte.
Gift-Wrapped: Wrap them in a pretty box or bag for a thoughtful gift.
On a Dessert Platter: They’re a standout addition to any dessert spread, adding both beauty and deliciousness.
Additional Tips
Use High-Quality Jam: The better the jam, the more delicious the cookies. Look for one with a deep, fruity flavor.
Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends more easily, giving the cookies their signature texture.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, chill it for 15-20 minutes to make shaping easier.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A1: Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Q2: What other shapes can I make instead of hearts?
A2: You can make simple round thumbprints or try star-shaped indents for festive occasions.
Q3: Can I use homemade jam?
A3: Absolutely! Homemade jam adds a special touch to these cookies.
Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake when needed.
Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil.
Q6: My cookies are spreading too much. What should I do?
A6: Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Q7: How do I prevent the jam from overflowing?
A7: Use a small spoon to carefully add just enough jam to fill the indent without overfilling.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Just make sure to work in batches so your oven doesn’t get overcrowded.
Q9: Can I use other fillings besides jam?
A9: Yes! Try Nutella, peanut butter, or even lemon curd for a unique twist.
Q10: How do I make them extra festive?
A10: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over them.
Conclusion
These Heart Jam Cookies are a delightful way to spread love, one bite at a time. They’re buttery, fruity, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a loved one or as a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s bake some joy!
Print
Heart Jam Cookies (Thumbprint Hearts)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
hese adorable Heart Jam Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with sweet jam in a heart-shaped thumbprint. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to share a little love!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
Instructions
-
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
-
Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press into each ball, creating a heart-shaped indent. Use your fingers to shape the edges into a neat heart.
- Spoon a small amount of jam into each heart-shaped indent, being careful not to overfill.
-
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality jam for the filling.
- You can substitute the jam with chocolate spread or lemon curd for a twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 135 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg