Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both delicious and visually stunning, look no further than these Heart Jam Cookies. These charming cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any occasion where you want to show a little extra love. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base and a dollop of your favorite fruit jam in the center, these cookies are simple yet packed with flavor. The heart-shaped cutouts add a personal touch, making them the ideal gift or party snack. Plus, they’re easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients, and they can be customized with different jams, from strawberry and raspberry to apricot or even lemon curd. Whether you’re making them to share with loved ones or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these heart jam cookies will quickly become a go-to favorite. Let’s dive into how you can create these delightful, sweet treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Any Occasion

These heart jam cookies are ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or birthdays, but they’re also lovely for everyday treats.

2. Customizable

You can use any fruit jam you like—whether it’s classic raspberry, strawberry, or something more exotic like peach or apricot—making this recipe incredibly versatile.

3. Beautiful Presentation

The heart shapes and jam center create an elegant and thoughtful presentation that’s sure to impress guests or make a perfect gift for a loved one.

4. Buttery, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture

The base of these cookies is buttery and soft, providing the perfect balance to the sweet, tangy jam filling.

5. Easy to Make

With only a few basic ingredients, these cookies are quick to prepare, and the recipe doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Sugar
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Fruit jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

Variations

• Different Cut-Out Shapes: While heart shapes are perfect for romantic occasions, feel free to use other cookie cutters to create different shapes such as stars, circles, or even flowers.
• Use Different Jam Flavors: Swap the traditional raspberry or strawberry jam with apricot, blueberry, or even a citrus jam like lemon or orange for a unique twist.
• Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts) around the edges of the cookies before baking.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and egg replacer to make these cookies vegan-friendly without compromising on flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, remove one portion of the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the desired number of cookies.

Step 4: Cut the Centers

For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the center of the cookie. This will allow the jam to peek through once the cookies are assembled.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Add the Jam

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a small amount of fruit jam on the center of the whole cookies. Then, place the cookies with the cut-out centers on top, creating a sandwich with the jam in the middle.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

If desired, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch, then serve or package them up as a delightful gift!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and makes them easier to work with.
• Even Jam Layer: Be sure to spread a thin, even layer of jam to avoid it spilling out when you assemble the cookies.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should be golden around the edges but not darkened to prevent them from becoming too hard.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before rolling it out.

How to Serve

These heart jam cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them on their own as a sweet treat with tea or coffee, or package them up in a pretty box as a homemade gift. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter or as part of a homemade gift basket.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover heart jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To prevent them from sticking together, place a layer of parchment paper between the cookies.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once they’ve been assembled with jam, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes if you prefer them a little warmer.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit jam you like. Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even citrus jams like lemon or orange will work perfectly.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to a month.

3. Can I make these cookies without a heart-shaped cutter?

Of course! Feel free to use any shape you prefer, or even cut them into squares for a more rustic look.

4. How do I prevent the jam from leaking out of the cookies?

Be sure to spread a thin, even layer of jam to prevent spillage. Also, avoid overbaking the cookies, as this can cause the jam to become too runny.

5. Can I use homemade jam?

Yes, homemade jam works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s thick enough to stay in place when sandwiched between the cookies.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

7. How do I cut the perfect heart shapes?

If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it for a bit longer before cutting out the shapes. A sharp cookie cutter will give you clean edges for the best look.

8. Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Yes, you can add finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the cookie dough for extra flavor and texture.

9. How do I make the cookies look extra festive?

Dusting the finished cookies with powdered sugar gives them a delicate and festive look, perfect for special occasions.

10. Can I make these cookies without the cut-out center?

Yes, you can make the cookies without cutting out the center, turning them into simple jam-filled cookies or sandwiching two whole cookies together.

Conclusion

These Heart Jam Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery shortbread and sweet fruit jam, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Their beautiful heart shape and gooey jam center are sure to bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them. Whether you’re celebrating love, hosting a tea party, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a beloved recipe in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these sweet and delightful heart-shaped cookies!

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