Heart Jam Cookies are a sweet treat that’s as charming as they sound! These little delights have a soft and buttery cookie base with a bright, fruity jam center that makes each bite a perfect combination of tender and tangy. The heart shape adds a special touch that makes them just right for sharing or gifting.
I love making these cookies because they bring a bit of joy and nostalgia to the kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about pressing the jam into the middle and watching it peek out like a jewel. I usually pick a raspberry or strawberry jam for a classic feel, but they work beautifully with any flavor you like!
These cookies are wonderful with a cup of tea or coffee, and they always make a great addition to holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. I find that they’re a hit with kids and adults alike, probably because they’re simple, sweet, and just a little bit special. Plus, they bake up quickly, so I can whip up a batch even on a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cookies a rich, creamy flavor and helps achieve that tender, crumbly texture. If you want dairy-free, try a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, but expect a slightly different texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens and helps with the cookie structure. You can swap with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor, but it might change the color.
Egg & Vanilla: The egg binds the dough, and vanilla adds lovely aroma. For an egg-free option, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and pure vanilla extract works well.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here for the right texture. You can try gluten-free flour blends, but make sure they’re meant for baking for best results.
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam is classic for the filling, adding sweet and tart contrast. Any berry jam works well. If you don’t have jam, marmalade or preserves can be interesting alternatives.
How Can I Keep the Jam from Spreading Too Much?
Jam can sometimes run out while baking, but you can keep it neat with a few tips:
- Use a thicker jam or fruit preserve to limit spread.
- Don’t add too much jam—one teaspoon per cookie is plenty.
- Once you’ve placed the jam, gently press the top cookie layer over it to seal slightly.
- Bake the cookies on a parchment-lined sheet so sliding the jam won’t stick and cause mess.
- Let the cookies cool completely before moving them to avoid smearing the jam.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy clean, pretty heart cookies with a perfect jam center every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – to combine your dough ingredients easily and keep things tidy.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar faster and smoother.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll the dough evenly for perfect cookie thickness.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (large and small) – for shaping your cookies and cutting out the jam windows.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake your cookies evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Spoon or small scoop – handy for adding precise amounts of jam to each cookie.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your cookies cool without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use apricot or peach jam for a sweeter, fruitier twist that pairs well with vanilla.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cookies a nutty, fragrant boost.
- Fold in finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
Heart Jam Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite flavor)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 12-15 minutes for baking. You’ll also want to allow a few minutes for cooling, so plan for roughly 30-40 minutes in total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and salt together. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until you have a soft cookie dough.
3. Shape the Cookies:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a large cookie cutter to cut out the base cookies. For the tops, use the same large cutter and then cut out a smaller heart shape in the center of each using a smaller cookie cutter.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Place the whole cut-out cookies (the bottoms) on your baking sheet. Spoon about a teaspoon of jam onto each one. Then gently place the cookie with the heart-shaped cut-out on top, pressing lightly to sandwich the jam inside. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.
5. Cool and Finish:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a lovely, finished look. Now, they’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Wrap the rolled-out dough or cut cookies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before baking for best results.
What’s the Best Jam to Use?
Raspberry or strawberry jams are classic choices, but any thick fruit jam or preserve works well. Avoid runny jams to prevent spreading too much while baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your Heart Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep longer, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture. The dough might be a bit more delicate, so handle gently.
