Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a fun, beautiful, and delicious treat, Heart Jam Cookies are a perfect choice. These charming cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat, featuring buttery shortbread-like dough with a sweet jam filling peeking through heart-shaped cutouts. Whether you’re baking them for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just because, these cookies are sure to spread love and joy. Let’s dive into the full recipe!

Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies:
For the Cookie Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (226 g, softened)
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
1/2 cup jam or preserves (your favorite flavor, like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
The Perfect Jam for Heart Cookies
Choosing the right jam is essential for these cookies. Here are some tips:
Consistency Matters: Use a jam that is thick and not overly runny to prevent it from spreading too much during baking.
Flavor Variety: Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jams are classics, but feel free to experiment with unique flavors like blackberry or fig.
Strain the Jam: For a smooth finish, strain jams with seeds (like raspberry) before using.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Making the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Cutting Out the Heart Shapes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as possible.
For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the centers (these will be the tops of your cookies).
3. Adding the Jam Filling
Place the solid cookies (bottoms) on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam onto the center of each bottom cookie and spread slightly, leaving a small border around the edges.
Place the cut-out cookies (tops) over the jam-covered bottoms, gently pressing the edges to seal.
4. Baking to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Best Heart Jam Cookies
Prevent Dough Stickiness: If the dough starts to stick while rolling, dust your rolling pin and surface lightly with flour.
Keep It Cool: Work quickly to prevent the dough from becoming too warm, which can make it hard to handle.
Jam Placement: Use just enough jam to avoid overflow during baking, which can create a mess.

Substitutions and Variations
These cookies are highly customizable! Here are some creative ideas:
Dough Options: Add a pinch of cinnamon or zest of lemon to the dough for a flavor twist.
Jam Alternatives: Try Nutella, peanut butter, or lemon curd for a delicious variation.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for a stunning presentation at parties or gatherings.
Dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Pair them with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a delightful snack.
How to Store Leftovers
At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overworking the Dough: This can result in tough cookies. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
Too Much Jam: Adding too much jam can cause it to leak out during baking. Stick to the recommended amount.
Rolling Too Thin or Too Thick: Roll the dough evenly to ensure the cookies bake properly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use pre-made sugar cookie dough, but homemade dough will give a more buttery and tender result.
What other shapes can I make?
Feel free to use any shape of cookie cutters for a different theme, like stars or flowers.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
Conclusion
These Heart Jam Cookies are a delightful way to show your love through baking. They’re buttery, sweet, and filled with jammy goodness that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a loved one, or yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
If you try this recipe, share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes.