If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines buttery, tender cookie dough with a burst of fruity sweetness, look no further than this Heart Jam Cookies Recipe. These little gems are not only charming with their adorable heart shape but also irresistibly delicious with a jam center that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of tea, this recipe brings a nostalgic twist to your baking routine while being incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to crafting the perfect Heart Jam Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a key role in ensuring your cookies have the ideal crumb, flavor balance, and that lovely golden color we all love.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough that creates the tender yet sturdy cookie texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Just a touch helps the cookies rise gently and keeps them soft.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and creates that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough to the perfect degree without overpowering the jam center.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma and deepens the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp milk (optional): Helps adjust the dough consistency if it feels too dry, making it easier to work with.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A pretty finishing touch that adds a light sweetness on top.
- 1/4 cup fruit jam: Whether raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or your favorite, this is the star filling that makes the cookies truly special.
How to Make Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl — this dry mix ensures the cookies have the right texture and rise. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this step is key for a tender cookie base. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract for richness and aroma. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until the dough just comes together. If it feels too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk to smooth it out.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut out neat heart shapes.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to stamp out double the number of cookies you plan to make — half will have a hole in the center and half will be solid to sandwich the jam in between.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Place the whole hearts on your prepared baking sheet. On the cookies with the cut-out center, spoon a small dollop of jam in the middle — be mindful not to overfill or the jam might seep out during baking. Gently place these jam-topped cookies on top of the whole hearts, pressing lightly around the edges to seal.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until they are just turning golden at the edges. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. The cooling allows the jam to set and prevents any messiness when you handle the cookies.
How to Serve Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely snowy effect that highlights the heart shapes and gives the cookies an elegant finish perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a fresh cup of tea, a creamy latte, or even a mild dessert wine. The fruity jam and buttery cookie complement smooth, warm beverages beautifully, making every bite feel cozy and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Heart Jam Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper or a festive napkin for gatherings. For a fun twist, sandwich a little cream cheese frosting between halves around the jam center or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for extra decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Heart Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and allows the jam to maintain its lovely texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with rolling and cutting. For baked cookies, store them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your Heart Jam Cookies Recipe slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives the buttery softness and enhances the jam’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use any type of jam for this recipe?
Absolutely! Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jams all work beautifully in this recipe. Just choose your favorite flavor for a personal touch.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries at all! You can use any shape you like, such as circles or stars. The jam-filled cookies will be delightful no matter the shape.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
Use a modest amount of jam in the center and press the cookie edges firmly together when sandwiching. Chilled dough also helps keep the cookies intact during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. You might need to slightly adjust the liquid for the perfect dough consistency.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to make?
Definitely! This Heart Jam Cookies Recipe is a fun and manageable baking project for kids with some adult supervision, especially during the cutting and baking steps.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly joyful about baking and sharing Heart Jam Cookies Recipe with people you care about. The simple ingredients, straightforward process, and charming result make this recipe a wonderful staple for holidays, gifts, or everyday moments. I encourage you to whisk up a batch soon and watch these sweet little hearts bring smiles all around your kitchen table.
Print
Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: About 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Heart Jam Cookies are tender, buttery sugar cookies filled with your favorite fruity jam at the center. These charming cookies are easy to make, featuring a soft dough that bakes into delicate treats perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea. Whether using raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or any jam of your choice, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors wrapped in a classic buttery cookie base.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (optional, to adjust dough consistency)
For Filling and Finishing
- 1/4 cup fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or your choice)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the dough. If the dough feels too thick or crumbly, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pliable consistency suitable for shaping.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball gently with your palm or the bottom of a glass to make a small disc. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a shallow well or indentation in the center of each disc to hold the jam.
- Fill and bake: Place about half a teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookie bases are set but still tender.
- Cool and finish: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, optionally sift powdered sugar over the tops for a delicate finish and added sweetness.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
- Use chilled jam for easier handling and less spreading.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
