Heart Jam Cookies
Heart Jam Cookies are little sweet treats filled with a generous dollop of your favorite jam, tucked inside soft, buttery cookies. You get that lovely mix of crumbly cookie and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Heart Jam Cookies are little sweet treats filled with a generous dollop of your favorite jam, tucked inside soft, buttery cookies. You get that lovely mix of crumbly cookie and sticky, fruity jam in every bite, which makes them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or sharing with friends.
I love making these cookies because they’re so simple but feel special. It’s fun to pick the jams — whether it’s classic strawberry, tangy raspberry, or a mixed berry surprise — and watch the jam peek out like a little jewel in the center. Plus, they’re great for baking with kids since you just press the jam right into the dough, no fancy skills needed.
Serving these with a cup of tea or a glass of milk is my favorite way to enjoy them. They’re also a hit at parties or when you just want a sweet little pick-me-up. Whenever I bake a batch, the whole kitchen smells warm and inviting, and it feels like a small celebration all on its own.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using softened unsalted butter helps make the cookies tender and rich. If needed, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil, but the texture may slightly change.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and a little crunch. You can swap half for brown sugar if you want a subtle caramel hint.
Jam: This is the heart of the cookie! Choose your favorite flavor, like strawberry or raspberry. If you prefer less sweetness, go for a low-sugar or homemade jam.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a soft but sturdy cookie. For gluten-free options, you can try a blend, but bake time and texture may vary.
How Do I Make Perfect Heart Indentations Without the Dough Breaking?
Creating the heart-shaped wells for the jam is key. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- After rolling the dough into balls, chill them for 10-15 minutes if too soft. This stops spreading.
- Press gently with your thumb or use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to make the indentation.
- Don’t press too hard — you want a shallow well to hold the jam without cracking the dough.
- If cracks appear, gently smooth edges with your fingers before adding jam.
- Fill the wells carefully, avoiding overfilling so jam doesn’t overflow while baking.
Following these tips helps keep the cookies neat and the jam perfectly nestled for a lovely look and great taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – you’ll use one for wet ingredients and another for dry; having two makes mixing easier.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy for perfect texture.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface for your cookies to bake evenly; I line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter or small spoon – use these to make the jam wells; cookie cutter gives a neat shape, spoon works great too.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry or raspberry jam for apricot or peach preserves for a sweeter, slightly tart twist.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough for a cozy, warm flavor.
- Mix chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the dough for a nice crunch.
- Try a cream cheese filling mixed with a little jam instead of plain jam for a richer center.
How to Make Heart Jam Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam or preserves (such as strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. In total, plan for about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until mixed in. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape and Fill Your Cookies
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them nicely spaced on your baking sheet. Press gently with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make a heart-shaped well in each ball. If you like, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter for a neater look. Fill each indentation with about half a teaspoon of your favorite jam or preserves.
4. Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until you see the edges turn a light golden color. Take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes — this helps them set up. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for the creamiest dough and best texture. If you only have frozen butter, let it thaw at room temperature until soft but not melted before starting.
What Are Good Substitutes for Jam?
You can swap jam with fruit preserves, marmalade, or even a thick fruit compote. Just make sure it’s not too runny to avoid spreading during baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Heart Jam Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough wrapped tightly for up to 2 days. When ready, bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.