Heart Jam Cookies are a delightful treat that’s both simple and charming. Soft, buttery cookie dough envelopes a sweet dollop of bright, fruity jam right in the center. When you bite into one, you get that perfect mix of tender cookie and sticky, flavorful jam that feels like a hug in cookie form.
I love making these cookies around special occasions or just when I want to make someone smile. The little heart shape makes them feel extra special, like a sweet message you can taste. Sometimes I mix up the jam flavors depending on what’s in the fridge—strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot all work wonders and bring their own little pop of sunshine.
These cookies are great to share with friends or family with a warm cup of tea or milk. I find they’re perfect for brightening up the afternoon and bring out a little joy no matter the day. Honestly, making them always brings me back to childhood baking days when simple treats like these felt like little treasures.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, tender texture. If you only have salted, just skip adding extra salt in the recipe to keep balance.
Sugar: Granulated sugar makes the dough perfectly sweet and helps with that slight crunch. For a softer bite, you can swap half for brown sugar, which adds a mild caramel note.
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam is classic, but feel free to use apricot, blueberry, or any jam you love. Thicker jams work best so they don’t run out during baking.
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works great here. For a gluten-free version, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Jam Cookie Sandwich Without Mess?
Getting the jam layer just right is key. Here’s my approach:
- Make sure your cookies are fully cooled before adding jam. Warm cookies can melt the jam and make it messy.
- Use a small spoon or offset spatula to spread a thin, even layer of jam on the bottom cookie to prevent overflow.
- Gently press the top cookie (with the hole) down without squeezing too hard to keep the jam visible but not spilling out.
- If the jam is too runny, chill it slightly or gently heat it to thicken before spreading.
This technique helps keep those hearts neat and the jam shining, making the cookies just as pretty as they are tasty.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like using medium and large bowls to keep everything organized.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier and quicker.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensure your ingredients are accurate for best results.
- Rolling pin – helps flatten the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters – a large one for the cookies and a smaller one for the centers; I find these add a sweet touch.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cooling racks – let the cookies cool completely so they don’t break when filling.
- Spatula or butter knife – for spreading jam smoothly on the cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different jams like apricot or raspberry to switch flavors and colors. A fun way to match seasons or themes!
- Add a splash of lemon or orange zest in the dough for a citrus twist that brightens the cookies.
- Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in a little cinnamon or cardamom in the dough for a warm, spicy note that pairs well with fruit jams.
Heart Jam Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill the dough. Baking time is about 8-10 minutes per batch, and then you’ll want to let the cookies cool fully before assembling. Altogether, plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete these sweet treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Cut the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the baking sheets. Roll out the second dough disk and cut out the same heart shapes. Then, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the centers from these cookies, creating a window effect. Place these on a separate baking sheet.
3. Bake, Assemble, and Enjoy:
Bake both cookie layers for 8-10 minutes or until just golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on wire racks. When cooled, spread a teaspoon of jam on each whole cookie (the bottom layer). Gently place a heart-cutout cookie on top to make a sandwich. Finally, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar. Your Heart Jam Cookies are ready to share and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Heart Jam Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough disks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting for best results.
What If I Don’t Have Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters?
No worries! Use any cookie cutter you like or simply cut squares or circles. For the center cut-out, use a smaller shape or carefully cut with a knife to create a window.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. If you want them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I Substitute the Jam Filling?
Absolutely! Try different jams like apricot, blueberry, or even lemon curd. Just choose thicker spreads to prevent leakage during baking and assembly.