Heart Jam Cookies are a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. With their sweet jam center and soft edges, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. They’re simply delicious and will fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cookies are easy to make, even for beginner bakers. They require everyday ingredients and don’t take much time to prepare. Plus, everyone loves a cookie with a surprise jam filling! These treats are a great way to involve your kids in baking, too—everyone can help shape the hearts and fill them with jam.

How to Make Heart Jam Cookies

Making these cookies is straightforward and fun. You’ll mix your dry ingredients, cream the butter with sugars, and then bring it all together. The best part is filling the heart indent with jam before baking them to golden perfection. It’s a joyous process that fills your home with sweet aromas.

What You Need to Make It

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

Step-by-Step

Line two 13×9 baking sheets with well-fitting parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
In the large bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream the butter with the sugars starting on medium speed and gradually increasing to medium high for 2-3 minutes until it’s lighter and creamy.
Scrape down the bowl, then 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, rolling 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 and 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.
Bake each tray of cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the cookie edges just start to turn golden brown.
Let cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Heart Jam Cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, while they’re still warm. Serve them with a soothing cup of tea or coffee for a sweet afternoon treat. They also make a lovely gift or are perfect for sharing at a picnic. Your family will love them!

How to Store Heart Jam Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them individually, and they can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Recipe Tips

Chill your dough. This keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
If you can’t find raspberry jam, feel free to use any fruit jam you like.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
Use a spoon to help gently press the hearts if your fingers are sticky.
Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps maintain the cookie’s shape.

Variations & Swaps

Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Swap the raspberry jam for strawberry or apricot jam for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture.
For a holiday twist, replace the vanilla with peppermint extract during winter.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, cozy spice.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. This saves time when you’re ready to bake. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before scooping and shaping.

How can I freeze the cookies?
Once the cookies have cooled completely, layer them between pieces of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for about three months. Just thaw them on the counter when you’re ready to munch!

What should I do if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can just use more vanilla extract or leave it out altogether. The cookies will still taste yummy!

Can I use other types of jam?
Yes, you can definitely use different jams. Strawberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd will work beautifully! Experiment with flavors your family loves.

What if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, try chilling the dough longer before baking next time. Also, ensure your butter isn’t too soft at the beginning, as this can affect the texture.