Why You’ll Love Heart Cookies with Jam Recipe
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Classic buttery flavor with a fruity center
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Eye-catching heart shape that’s perfect for gifting
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Easy-to-follow recipe, great for beginner and experienced bakers alike
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Customizable with your favorite jam flavors
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Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats
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Fun activity for kids and families
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Perfect for holiday cookie trays
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Great texture: crisp edges and soft centers
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Lightly sweet and not overly rich
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They store well and taste even better the next day
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
large egg
vanilla extract
baking powder
salt
fruit jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
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Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of cookies.
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Cut a smaller heart or circle out of the center of half the cookies (these will be the tops).
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Place all cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
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Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
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Spread a small amount of jam on the whole (bottom) cookies.
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Top with the cut-out (top) cookies and press lightly to sandwich together.
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Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes approximately 24 sandwich cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Use different shaped cookie cutters for other occasions (e.g., stars, flowers, or circles)
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Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist
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Substitute the jam with Nutella or lemon curd
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Add a touch of almond extract for a richer, nutty flavor
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Sprinkle the cookies with sanding sugar before baking for sparkle and crunch
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze cookies (assembled or unassembled) for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
To serve from frozen, allow cookies to thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
If you prefer warm cookies, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes before serving.
FAQs
What kind of jam is best for these cookies?
Raspberry, strawberry, and apricot jams are popular choices. Choose a thick jam so it doesn’t leak out.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can be used in place of regular flour.
What if I don’t have heart-shaped cutters?
Any shape will work. You can use round cutters or even cut shapes by hand.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading?
Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional but recommended if the dough is soft or sticky. It helps with cleaner cuts and prevents spreading.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just make sure to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.
Can I dust with powdered sugar after filling?
Yes, but do it just before serving to keep the sugar from dissolving into the jam.
Conclusion
Heart Cookies with Jam are as fun to make as they are to eat. With a buttery base and a sweet, fruity center, they’re perfect for sharing love and sweetness with friends and family. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie collection.
