Heart Jam Cookies
Heart Jam Cookies are the perfect little treats that blend soft, buttery cookie dough with a sweet, fruity burst of jam right in the middle. They’re simple yet so charming,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Heart Jam Cookies are the perfect little treats that blend soft, buttery cookie dough with a sweet, fruity burst of jam right in the middle. They’re simple yet so charming, with a delicate texture and a colorful pop of jam that makes them look as good as they taste.
I love making these cookies when I want to share a bit of homemade love. There’s something really special about biting into a cookie and hitting that gooey jam center—it’s like a tiny surprise every time. Plus, they’re great for using up any jam you might have sitting around, so cookie baking becomes a handy way to clear out the pantry!
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially during holidays or tea time. I often pack them up in little boxes or jars to gift because they hold up well and look so cheerful. If you’re like me, you’ll find that making heart-shaped cookies adds an extra bit of fun to the whole baking process, and it’s always worth it when you see everyone’s happy faces enjoying them.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level. Make sure it’s softened so it cream well with sugar, creating that tender cookie base. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan buttery spreads.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies get that soft, crumbly texture. You can swap with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor or use fine granulated sugar for smooth mixing.
Jam: The star of these cookies! I love strawberry or raspberry jam for their bright flavor and nice seeds that add texture. If you want less sweetness, try apricot or use homemade jam. Make sure it’s thick to avoid running in the oven.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour gives structure while baking powder helps the cookies gently rise and stay fluffy. For a gluten-free option, try a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
How Do You Make a Perfect Heart-Shaped Jam Pocket?
Creating the jam pocket can feel tricky but here are some tips to get neat, tasty results:
- Roll the dough into even balls so baking is uniform.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press an indentation right in the center of each dough ball.
- For perfect hearts, gently press a small heart-shaped cutter just inside the indentation to shape it, but don’t press too deep or it will break through the bottom.
- Fill the indentation with a small amount of jam—too much can spill over during baking.
- Bake until edges turn light golden to keep cookies soft but cooked through.
- Cool cookies fully before moving to keep jam set and avoid breaking.
With these simple steps, your heart jam cookies will look adorable and taste just right every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy ones help the cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment paper – stops the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Electric mixer – great for creaming butter and sugar smoothly to get a light dough.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients, one for dry; it keeps things tidy and speeds mixing.
- Small heart-shaped cookie cutter or a small spoon – helps create the jam indentation easily and neatly.
- Wire rack – cools the cookies evenly so they set without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry or raspberry jam for apricot or peach jam for a sweeter, milder fruit flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough for extra warmth and depth.
- Use lemon curd instead of jam for a bright, tangy twist that cuts the sweetness.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar or chopped nuts on top before baking for a crunchy texture contrast.
How to Make Heart Jam Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or your choice)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, 12-15 minutes for baking, plus about 10 minutes for cooling. So plan for around 35-40 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Cookie Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing slowly until you have a soft dough.
3. Forming and Filling the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between them. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press a heart-shaped indentation in the center of each ball. You can use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter pressed lightly into the dough to make the shape if you like. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam — be careful not to overfill or the jam may spill out while baking.
4. Baking and Cooling:
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, until their edges become lightly golden. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish.
Enjoy these sweet, buttery heart jam cookies as a delightful treat for yourself or to share with loved ones!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creaming properly. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then leave it out for about 30 minutes before starting your dough.
What’s the Best Type of Jam to Use?
Choose a thick, flavorful jam like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot. Avoid watery jams, as they can spread too much during baking and make the cookies soggy.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the cookies, and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.
