If you’re searching for the perfect treat to show a little extra love, look no further than Heart Jam Cookies. These delightful beauties pair buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with jewel-bright jam and a dusting of snow-like powdered sugar. Each bite is a blend of rich cookie and sweet, tangy fruit, making them as irresistible to eat as they are beautiful on the plate. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or as a heartfelt surprise, Heart Jam Cookies have a magical way of making every day feel just a bit more celebratory.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Heart Jam Cookies are all about simple, quality ingredients working wonders together. Each component brings a special touch—the butter gives richness, the jam adds sparkle, and those pantry staples tie everything together into a cookie that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Makes the dough rich and tender, ensuring each cookie has a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered sugar (2/3 cup): Dissolves easily into the dough, giving the cookies their delicate crumb and just-right sweetness.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates the whole batch with its fragrant, warm undertones.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, offering just enough strength for rolling and shaping.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Gives balance and brings out all the buttery, sweet flavors.
Seedless raspberry or strawberry jam (1/2 cup): The bright, tangy heart of each cookie; choose seedless for a smooth finish.
Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a snowy, festive touch to the finished cookies.

How to Make Heart Jam Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start things off by combining the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy—this step sets the stage for that exquisite shortbread texture. Don’t rush; creaming well unlocks the magic!

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully smooth. The egg gives structure while the vanilla brings warmth and luscious aroma that will fill your kitchen as the cookies bake.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mix into your butter mixture, stirring until no streaks remain and a soft, pliable dough forms. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so combine just until everything comes together.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a disc. Wrap the discs snugly in plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut as many cookies as possible, then use a smaller heart cutter to cut “windows” in half of the cookies—these will be the pretty tops!

Step 6: Bake

Carefully transfer all cookies to the prepared baking sheets. If the dough is soft, give the cookies a few extra minutes in the fridge before baking. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges start turning golden. Leave them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack.

Step 7: Sandwich With Jam

Once the cookies are completely cool, turn over each whole heart and spread a small spoonful of seedless raspberry or strawberry jam in the center. Gently top with a windowed cookie and press lightly to create that signature Heart Jam Cookie sandwich.

Step 8: Dust and Finish

If you’re feeling extra festive, sift a shower of powdered sugar over the windowed tops. This simple touch makes Heart Jam Cookies an absolute showstopper on any platter.

How to Serve Heart Jam Cookies

Garnishes

Add a finishing flair to your Heart Jam Cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a single whole raspberry placed in the center of a few cookies for a pop of color. If you’re feeling playful, a drizzle of melted white chocolate around the heart “window” makes them even more special.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with an aromatic cup of tea, a frothy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive afternoon spread, serve them alongside other delicate pastries or a platter of fresh berries to contrast their buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Heart Jam Cookies in clear cellophane bags and tie with a bright ribbon for delightful edible gifts. Arrange them in a heart shape on a serving platter or layer them in a vintage tin lined with parchment for a classic, cozy look. At Valentine’s parties, display them on a tiered cake stand for instant wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Heart Jam Cookies at their best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re in a humid climate, slip a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (without the jam) in a zip-top freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to serve, allow them to come to room temperature, then assemble with jam and powdered sugar for freshly made flavor whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

If your cookies have softened after storage, a quick five-minute stint in a low oven (about 275°F) will help revive their crispness. Add the jam and dusting of powdered sugar after reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use different types of jam for Heart Jam Cookies?

Absolutely! While raspberry or strawberry jam are classic choices, you can swap in your favorite flavors—think apricot, blackberry, or even homemade preserves. Just try to choose a seedless, thick jam so your Heart Jam Cookies keep their neat, vibrant look.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading in the oven?

The key is to chill your dough thoroughly before baking. If the dough or shaped cookies start to feel soft, pop them back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps them keep their charming heart shape.

Can I make Heart Jam Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The result will be slightly more delicate, so handle the dough gently and watch the bake time, as gluten-free cookies can brown more quickly.

Why are my Heart Jam Cookies getting soggy?

Usually, sogginess comes from using jam that’s too runny or assembling the cookies while still warm. Always use a thick, seedless jam, and allow cookies to cool completely before spreading. Store assembled cookies in single layers, separated by parchment.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! Kids love cutting out the hearts and sandwiching the cookies with jam. Just guide little hands with the cutters, and they’ll love seeing their creations come together—Heart Jam Cookies make for a joyful family baking day!

Final Thoughts

Heart Jam Cookies have a special knack for brightening any day, whether you’re baking them for loved ones or simply want a cheerful treat all to yourself. Trust me, from the first bite until the last crumb, these cookies spark smiles and create memorable moments. Gather your ingredients and give them a try—you’ll be sharing the love in the most delicious way!

Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 20 sandwich cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Heart Jam Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, buttery cookies filled with sweet jam make for a lovely dessert or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

Filling:

1/2 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam
Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture to form a dough.
Chill and Shape: Divide dough, shape into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut: Roll out dough, cut into heart shapes, and bake.
Assemble: Spread jam on cookies, sandwich together, and dust with powdered sugar.