Heart Jam Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a sweet burst of fruity jam right in the center. The cookie dough itself is simple and tender, making the jam the star of the show. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a little gooey surprise when they bite into a cookie.
I love making these cookies because they remind me of cozy afternoons spent baking simple goodies that bring a smile to everyone around. The best part is choosing your favorite jam — whether it’s strawberry, raspberry, or apricot, each flavor gives the cookies their own special touch. I always keep a few jars handy so I can switch it up depending on the mood.
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or family, especially during holidays or just because. I like to pack them up in a pretty tin or box to give as a thoughtful little gift. Plus, they’re great with a cup of tea or a glass of milk, making snack time feel a little more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter for a rich, tender cookie. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or margarine, though texture may vary slightly.
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam works well for its balance of sweetness and tartness. Feel free to swap with apricot, blueberry, or any favorite jam you have on hand.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these cookies their classic texture. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check for added xanthan gum.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens and helps create that tender crumb. If you want a more delicate flavor, you can try fine caster sugar or substitute half with powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
How Can I Make Perfect Heart-Shaped Cutout Cookies Without Cracking?
Rolling out the dough evenly and keeping it chilled are key to cleanly cutting and baking these heart shapes without cracks.
- Chill dough at least 1 hour before rolling to make it firm and easier to handle.
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much flour which can dry the dough out.
- Use a gentle, even pressure with your cookie cutters to make clean edges.
- Transfer cookies to the baking sheet with a thin spatula to maintain their shape.
- Bake just until edges are slightly golden – overbaking makes cookies fragile and prone to breaking.
Following these steps helps keep your cookies looking neat and beautiful when you sandwich them with jam and dust with powdered sugar.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a medium and large bowl to organize the ingredients easily.
- Electric hand or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll out the dough to an even thickness for perfect cookies.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters – essential for cutting out the cookies and the cutout tops, giving them that pretty shape.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat to bake the cookies evenly.
- Cooling rack – for cooling cookies without becoming soggy, ready to be decorated.
- Small spoon or piping bag – optional, for spreading the jam neatly on the cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the jam for lemon curd or fruit preserves for a tangy twist.
- Add a splash of lemon or orange zest into the dough for extra flavor.
- dust the cookies with cocoa powder or cinnamon along with powdered sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Heart Jam Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or your preferred fruit jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for chilling the dough. Baking takes around 8-10 minutes, and you’ll want to allow your cookies to cool completely before assembling and dusting, so plan about 1 hour total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This helps spread everything evenly throughout the dough.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract with the butter mixture until everything is smooth and combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough forms and all the flour is absorbed. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in two, wrapping each half tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will make rolling easier and help the cookies hold their shape when baked.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Roll and Cut Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a fluted heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out whole heart cookies and place them on the baking sheets.
8. Prepare “Window” Tops:
Roll out the second half of dough to the same thickness. Use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the center of each cookie, creating a heart-shaped window for the top halves. Place these on the baking sheets as well.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake both the solid heart cookies and the windowed top cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Assemble the Cookies:
Once cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jam over each whole heart cookie. Carefully place a heart-window cookie on top, pressing gently to sandwich them together.
11. Add the Finishing Touch:
Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar for that beautiful, festive look.
12. Serve and Store:
Enjoy your Heart Jam Cookies with friends and family! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough after shaping it into discs and wrapping in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then roll and cut as directed. This makes it easy to prepare ahead of time.
What Can I Substitute for Jam?
You can swap the jam for preserves, lemon curd, or even Nutella for a different but delicious filling. Just make sure your filling isn’t too runny to avoid soggy cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them fresher longer, store in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great.
