These Heart Jam Cookies are small, soft cookies with a jam heart in the middle. They look sweet and taste like a fresh bake from home.

introduction

This cookie is easy and fun to make. The dough is soft and buttery. You press a small heart, add jam, and bake. They work for parties, gifts, or a simple snack. If you like other jam cookies, try Almond Cherry Cookies for a different flavor.

why make this recipe

The cookies are simple and quick.
Kids can help press the heart and add jam.
They keep well and travel easily.
You can change the jam to your favorite flavor.

how to make Heart Jam Cookies

Make a basic butter cookie dough, chill it so it firms up, press a heart shape in each ball, fill with jam, and bake until the edges turn light brown. The cold dough keeps the shape so the heart stays neat.

Ingredients :

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 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup raspberry jam

Directions :

Line two 13×9 baking sheets with well fitting parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
In the large bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the butter with the sugars with the paddle attachment starting with medium speed and gradually increasing to medium high for 2-3 minutes until lighter and creamy.
Scrape down the bowl, mix in the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract.
Set the mixture to low and slowly add in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Using a 1 tablespoon sized dough scoop, make dough balls. Roll them as smoothly as possible between your palms.
Place each dough ball 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently press the heart shape into the top of the cookie dough with a pinky finger. Place the cookie sheet into the freezer for 30 minutes or the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Pull the baking sheets from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Put the fruit preserves into a small microwave safe bowl and heat for 10-15 seconds until it’s a little runny. Using a 1/4 teaspoon or a very small spoon, fill the heart indent to the brim with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Cook each tray of cookies for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges just start to turn golden brown.
Let cookies cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

how to serve Heart Jam Cookies

Serve warm or at room temperature. They go well with tea, coffee, or milk. For a dessert plate, add a few fresh berries and a simple cookie like Apple Pie Cookies to make a small mix of treats.

how to store Heart Jam Cookies

Cool cookies completely before storing.
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then move to a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

tips to make Heart Jam Cookies

Use room temperature butter for easy creaming.
Chill the dough; cold dough holds the heart shape.
Use a small spoon or piping bag for neat jam filling.
Do not overfill the jam or it will spill while baking.
Bake until the edges are just light brown for soft centers.

variation (if any)

Change the jam to strawberry, apricot, or blueberry.
Use seedless jam for a smooth look.
Add a little lemon zest to the dough for a bright note.
Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate after cooling for a richer treat.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen butter?
A: No. Use room temperature butter for the right texture.

Q: Can I use another shape instead of a heart?
A: Yes. Use any small indent like a circle or star.

Q: What if my jam is thick?
A: Warm it a few seconds in the microwave to loosen it before filling.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. You can chill the dough for up to 2 days before shaping and baking.

Q: Do I need to line the baking sheet?
A: Yes. Parchment helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.