Heart Jam Cookies

In my kitchen, Heart Jam Cookies always bring a sense of joy and nostalgia. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing during cozy family gatherings or as a comforting afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea. They’re visually charming, too, with a sweet heart-shaped jam filling that simply melts in your mouth. What makes this recipe even more special is its simplicity—perfect for beginner bakers looking to create something heartfelt!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These Heart Jam Cookies are more than just a sweet indulgence; they are incredibly easy to make and budget-friendly as well. They bring a festive spirit and are a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to birthdays or simply to brighten up a weekday afternoon. The subtle almond and vanilla flavors elevate the taste, and the raspberry jam adds a delightful contrast that makes every bite a little celebration of its own.

"I made these cookies for my daughter’s school party, and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved the heart shape and the jam filling. It’s definitely a recipe I’ll keep making!" — A Happy Baker

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Servings: About 24 cookies

Step-by-Step Overview

Making Heart Jam Cookies is a simple yet rewarding process. You’ll start by preparing your dough, then shaping the cookies and filling them with a fruity jam. Finally, they’ll bake to perfection. It’s a lovely way to spend some time in the kitchen!

What You’ll Need

• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam

Substitution Notes: If you’re looking to change things up, feel free to swap in your favorite flavor of jam or even use a gluten-free flour blend.

Directions to Follow

1. Line two 13×9 baking sheets with well-fitting parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set this aside.
3. In the large bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together the butter along with the brown and granulated sugars. Start on medium speed and gradually increase to medium-high for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
4. Scrape down the bowl and mix in the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract.
5. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients from the previous step into the wet mixture. Scrape down the bowl as needed until combined.
6. Using a 1-tablespoon-sized dough scoop, form dough balls and roll them smoothly between your palms.
7. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently press a heart shape into the tops of the dough with your pinky finger.
8. Chill the cookie sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up the dough.
9. Once chilled, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Warm the fruit preserves in a small microwave-safe bowl for 10-15 seconds until a bit runny. Then, using a 1/4 teaspoon or a small spoon, fill the heart indents with the jam.
11. Bake each tray of cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These Heart Jam Cookies are beyond scrumptious served as is, but they can also be gorgeous when plated with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your Heart Jam Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to prepare ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just layer them carefully in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months; simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Butter Softeness: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming effect. This adds air to the dough for a lighter texture.
• Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and results in a more tender crumb.
• Jam Variations: Feel free to experiment with different jams—strawberry or apricot can add delightful twists!
• Perfect Portioning: A cookie scoop makes it easy to create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Creative Twists

Get creative with your Heart Jam Cookies! Try adding a hint of lemon zest or orange zest for extra flavor. You can also substitute the raspberry jam with a mix of your favorite fruit jams, giving each cookie a unique character. For a nutty touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking!

With this recipe, you’ll have a batch of beautiful Heart Jam Cookies that not only look lovely but taste incredible, too! Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with your loved ones!