If you’re searching for a sweet treat that delights both the eyes and the tastebuds, Heart Jam Cookies are everything you could wish for and more. These classic sandwich cookies feature a buttery, tender base and a playful heart-shaped window that shows off a jewel-toned layer of fruity jam. Dusted with powdered sugar, they look like something straight from a pâtisserie, but they’re actually easy enough to bake at home. Whether you use raspberry or strawberry jam, these cookies bring the perfect balance of richness and tang—a true baking joy for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about Heart Jam Cookies is how the simplest ingredients create such a magical result. Each one plays its part in crafting a cookie that’s crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth, beautifully golden, and bursting with vibrant flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Key to a rich, tender cookie and helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the dough and encourages that lovely pale golden color on the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough while adding moisture and a bit of heartiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of pure vanilla brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The structure-builder that keeps these cookies soft but not crumbly.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough salt to balance the sweetness and bump up all the flavors.
- Raspberry or strawberry jam (½ cup): The juicy, bright filling that gives Heart Jam Cookies their signature burst of color and tang.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Adds a delicate, snowy finish and complements the jam beautifully.
How to Make Heart Jam Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by placing your softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. With an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step is your secret to cookies with an irresistibly tender bite—don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are creamed, go ahead and beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract. This ensures the flavor is even throughout and gives the dough a wonderful richness and aroma that will scent your whole kitchen.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. It may seem simple, but this little step evenly disperses the salt, which means every bite of your Heart Jam Cookies will be perfectly balanced—not overly sweet.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing just until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so as soon as everything is combined, set your spatula aside!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This little rest makes it easier to roll out the dough and helps the cookies keep their gorgeous shape in the oven.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies
With your oven preheating to 350°F and your baking sheets lined with parchment, roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter to punch out cookies, then use a smaller heart cutter to remove the center from half the cookies. These will become the adorable windows for your finished Heart Jam Cookies.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the cut-out cookies on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. They’ll look pale, which means they’ll stay soft and delicate after cooling. Let them cool completely on a rack before you handle them further.
Step 8: Fill and Assemble
Once the cookies are cool, it’s time for the fun part! Spread about 1 teaspoon of your favorite jam on the flat side of each whole cookie. Gently top with a window cookie, pressing lightly to sandwich. If desired, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a classic, snowy finish.
How to Serve Heart Jam Cookies
Garnishes
Just a light dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies their storybook charm. You might also try a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios on the jam layer for a pop of color and crunch—little touches make Heart Jam Cookies feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a pot of floral tea or a creamy vanilla latte. I also love setting them out with fresh berries or a bowl of lightly whipped cream for a sweet afternoon spread that invites everyone to linger at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Heart Jam Cookies in a box lined with parchment for a lovely homemade gift, or stack them on a cake stand at brunch for an eye-catching centerpiece. You can string ribbons through the hearts for edible Valentine’s décor, or let little hands help make them for a playful family baking project.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep Heart Jam Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The cookies will stay tender, and the jam layer settles in beautifully, making them just as delicious on day three as on day one.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, freeze unfilled cookies between layers of parchment in an airtight container. Once you’re ready to eat or gift them, simply thaw, fill with jam, and assemble. You can also freeze the dough discs for up to a month—just give them time to thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
Reheating
While Heart Jam Cookies don’t need reheating, if you prefer them gently warm, pop a filled cookie in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds. This softens the jam and delivers a melt-in-your-mouth treat, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use different shapes besides hearts?
Absolutely! While the classic heart shape makes Heart Jam Cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, you can use stars, circles, or any festive cutter you love for year-round baking inspiration.
Which jams work best in these cookies?
Raspberry and strawberry jam are traditional and give beautiful color, but you can also experiment with apricot, blueberry, blackberry, or any thick fruit preserves you enjoy. Just make sure the jam isn’t too runny for best results.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is pretty important! It makes the cookies much easier to roll and cut, and helps them hold their crisp, defined shapes in the oven—a step you definitely don’t want to skip with Heart Jam Cookies.
Can Heart Jam Cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get soft, buttery cookies that hold together beautifully.
How do I get clean, sharp edges on my cookies?
Use metal cutters for the neatest edges, and dip them in flour between cuts. If your dough warms up, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes—it’ll make for much cleaner shapes and happier Heart Jam Cookies!
Final Thoughts
Baking Heart Jam Cookies is a joy from start to finish, and the results always bring smiles—whether you’re gifting them or keeping the batch all to yourself. I hope you’ll try them soon and let this little tradition find its way into your own celebrations and cozy afternoons!
Print
Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Heart Jam Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Butter cookies filled with sweet jam and dusted with powdered sugar, they are not only delicious but also beautiful.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out one disc of dough, cut out heart-shaped cookies, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread jam on whole cookies, top with window cookies, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use any flavor of jam you like—apricot, blueberry, or blackberry also work well.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
