Heart Jam Cookies

There’s something extra special about cookies shaped like hearts, especially when they’re filled with a sweet, sticky jam that’s just begging to be devoured. Heart Jam Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, but they’re especially great for Valentine’s Day or when you want to show someone you care. These little beauties are buttery, tender, and have just the right amount of sweetness—plus, the jam filling makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become your new go-to sweet treat for spreading joy!

Why You’ll Love Heart Jam Cookies

• Buttery & Tender: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the buttery dough that’s perfectly soft and crumbly.
• Jam-Filled Goodness: The jam center adds a burst of fruity sweetness, and you can use your favorite jam flavor (raspberry, strawberry, apricot—the possibilities are endless).
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are adorable and totally shareable. They make a thoughtful homemade gift for a friend or loved one.
• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you can make these cookies with ease. Plus, they’re a lot less intimidating than you might think—no special skills needed.
• Customizable: You can get creative with the jam filling! Use different flavors or even add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a festive touch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these heart-shaped beauties:

For the Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cookie dough.
• Butter: Unsalted butter for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Egg Yolk: The yolk adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the dough’s taste.
• Salt: A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
• Baking Powder: To help the cookies rise just enough to create that perfect texture.

For the Jam Filling:

• Your Favorite Jam: Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry! The jam will be the star of the cookie, so choose one you love.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): To dust the cookies with a light finishing touch if you want a bit of extra sweetness and flair.

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to create these adorable heart jam cookies:

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough gently until it forms a smooth ball.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you like), cut out as many cookies as you can. For each cookie, cut out the center using a smaller heart-shaped cutter or circle cutter, leaving a little window for the jam to peek through.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as every oven is different! Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Add the Jam

Once the cookies are completely cooled, take the cookies with the cut-out centers and spoon a small amount of jam into the hole. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam can spill out while baking. You want just enough to create a beautiful, jam-filled heart.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)

If you want to make the cookies extra festive, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar. This will give them a delicate, sweet touch.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve these sweet little heart-shaped cookies to friends, family, or even as a treat for yourself. They’re sure to make anyone’s day just a little bit brighter!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 12-15 cookies (depending on size)
Calories per serving: Varies depending on jam choice and portion size (approximately 150 calories per cookie)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Heart Jam Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

• With Tea or Coffee: Serve these with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy, indulgent snack.
• As a Gift: Package these in a cute tin or gift box for a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift or party favor.
• For Dessert: Add them to a dessert spread for an extra burst of sweetness and charm.

Additional Tips

• Use Your Favorite Jam: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors of jam. Raspberry, strawberry, and even lemon curd work wonderfully.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly.
• Customize the Filling: If you’re feeling extra creative, try using a mix of jams or adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts on top of the jam before baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sugar in the cookie dough?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with powdered sugar for a finer texture, or even brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without the cut-out center?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer solid heart cookies, just cut out regular heart shapes and add jam to the top once they’re baked.

Q3: Can I use a different fruit for the jam filling?
A3: Yes, you can use any type of jam you like—apricot, blueberry, or even a homemade fruit preserve would be fantastic!

Q4: How should I store leftover cookies?
A4: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q5: Can I freeze these cookies?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies (without the jam) for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature, then add the jam before serving.

Q6: Can I add icing to the cookies?
A6: Yes! You can drizzle a simple icing over the top for extra sweetness and decoration.

Q7: Can I use store-bought jam?
A7: Definitely! Using store-bought jam makes this recipe quick and easy, but feel free to use homemade jam if you prefer.

Q8: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A8: The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and they feel firm to the touch but not hard.

Q9: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Q10: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A10: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake the cookies later. They also store well in an airtight container for a few days.

Conclusion

These Heart Jam Cookies are not only a fun and adorable treat, but they’re also irresistibly delicious with their buttery cookie base and sweet, fruity jam center. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. So go ahead, bake up some love, and enjoy these sweet, heart-shaped delights!

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