Name: Heart Jam Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup strawberry, raspberry, or red fruit jam (smooth preferred); Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Heart Jam Cookies are sweet, buttery, and beautifully filled with fruity jam right in the center of a heart-shaped cutout. I love making these cookies around Valentine’s Day, for special occasions, or anytime I want to bake something that’s as pretty as it is delicious. They look fancy, but the process is simple—and the result is always a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a sweet, glossy jam center.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fun to make and even more fun to share. The cookies have a tender, shortbread-like texture and pair perfectly with the tart-sweet flavor of jam. The heart cutout makes them ideal for gifting or showing someone a little extra love. I also enjoy how easy it is to switch up the flavors just by using different jams or fillings. Heart Jam Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Salt
Strawberry, raspberry, or any red fruit jam (smooth works best)
Extra powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions

I cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
I mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
I gradually add the flour and mix just until the dough comes together.
I divide the dough in two, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
I roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
I use a round or scalloped cookie cutter to cut out base cookies, and for half of them, I cut out a small heart shape in the center.
I place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until just lightly golden at the edges.
I let the cookies cool completely, then spoon a bit of jam onto the whole cookies and gently press a heart-cutout cookie on top to sandwich.
I dust with powdered sugar if I want a snowy, pretty finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18 to 20 sandwich cookies (36 to 40 single cookies). It takes around 20 minutes to prepare the dough, 30 minutes to chill, and 10 minutes to bake—so I usually have them done in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use apricot, blueberry, or fig jam for a unique flavor twist.
For a chocolate version, I add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough and fill with chocolate spread instead of jam.
I’ve added almond extract for a nutty note, especially when using cherry jam.
If I want a more rustic look, I skip the cutouts and just thumbprint the tops with jam before baking.
I also make mini versions using small cookie cutters for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. If stacking them, I place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They also freeze well for up to 1 month, though I wait to dust with powdered sugar until after thawing. No reheating is needed—just enjoy them as they are. Heart Jam Cookies

FAQs

Can I use store-bought jam?

Yes, I use any smooth jam I like. Seedless varieties work best for a clean finish and easy sandwiching.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

I make sure the dough is well-chilled before baking. If needed, I chill the cut cookies on the baking tray for 10 minutes before putting them in the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. I often prepare the dough the day before and leave it wrapped in the fridge until I’m ready to roll and cut.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, both the baked cookies and the raw dough freeze well. I freeze the unassembled cookies and fill them with jam after thawing to keep them crisp.

Do I have to use a heart shape?

Not at all. I use stars, circles, flowers—whatever I’m in the mood for. The heart shape just adds a lovely touch for special occasions.

Conclusion

Heart Jam Cookies are a charming, delicious treat that I love baking and sharing with others. With their buttery texture and sweet jam centers, they’re perfect for holidays, gifts, or just a cozy afternoon treat. Whether I’m making them for someone special or simply to enjoy with tea, these cookies always bring a little extra love to the moment.