Heart Jam Cookies are these charming little treats filled with sweet, fruity jam nestled right in the center of a soft, buttery cookie. They’re as cute as they are delicious, with a tender crumb and a pop of jam that makes every bite a little surprise. They look especially lovely when made with a mix of bright red or pink jams, perfect for any time you want to show some extra love in your baking.
I love making these cookies because they’re super easy to shape and so satisfying to bake. Cutting out the little heart-shaped windows and seeing the jam peek through always brings a smile to my face. Plus, I usually keep a few different jams on hand so I can mix and match flavors — raspberry, strawberry, or cherry all work perfectly. It’s like a tiny gift tucked inside each cookie.
When I serve these, I like to arrange them on a pretty platter, maybe dusted lightly with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness. They’re great for sharing with friends, gifting during the holidays, or just enjoying with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon. There’s something cozy and heartwarming about these cookies that always makes me want to bake a batch again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives these cookies a rich, tender texture. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or coconut oil, but coconut oil may change the flavor slightly.
Powdered Sugar: It keeps the dough smooth and adds a gentle sweetness. You can swap this with superfine sugar, but powdered sugar helps give a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Jam: Strawberry or raspberry jam works best here for that beautiful red color and sweet-tart flavor. Use any thick jam you like, but avoid runny ones or they might leak during baking.
Vanilla & Almond Extract: Vanilla adds warmth, while almond adds a subtle nutty note. Almond extract is optional, but I find it really lifts the flavor of these cookies.
How Do You Keep Jam from Oozing Out During Baking?
Sealing these sandwich cookies well makes all the difference to keep jam in place. Here are my tips:
- Before adding jam, gently press the dough edges with your fingers to create a slight barrier.
- Use only a small amount of jam—about 1/2 teaspoon—to prevent overflow.
- When placing the top cookie with the heart window, press edges firmly but gently to seal completely.
- If your jam is very runny, consider warming it slightly to make it thicker or mix it with a bit of cornstarch.
- Chill the dough well before cutting—firm dough holds shape and seals better during baking.
Following these steps will help your Heart Jam Cookies bake beautifully with a clean jam center every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – I love it because it helps create adorable, uniform cookies with a perfect heart shape.
- Small cutter or knife – to cut out the center of half the cookies for the window, making that lovely surprise of jam inside.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking and combining your dough ingredients easily.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – makes beating the butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Rolling pin – to roll out the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Parchment paper – lines your baking sheets to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Wire cooling rack – for letting the cookies cool completely without becoming soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different jams like apricot, peach, or blueberry for new fruity flavors and colors.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spicy note.
- Mix in chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the dough for extra texture.
- Swap vanilla extract with lemon or orange zest to add bright citrus aroma.
Heart Jam Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your preferred red fruit jam)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of hands-on preparation and around 1 hour for chilling the dough. Baking time is 12-15 minutes per batch. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 40 minutes from start to finish, including cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Extracts:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Stop as soon as the dough comes together—be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
5. Chill the Dough:
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Roll and Cut the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of hearts. For half, use a smaller heart cutter to make a heart-shaped window in the center.
8. Assemble the Cookies:
Lay the whole heart cookies on your baking sheet. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of jam in the center of each, keeping the edges clear. Then place the heart window cookies on top, gently pressing the edges to seal the sandwich.
9. Bake:
Bake your assembled cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
10. Cool and Finish:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. When cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a pretty, sweet finish.
11. Serve & Enjoy:
Your Heart Jam Cookies are ready to share and enjoy with family and friends. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or just as a little sweet treat any time of day!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Dough?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to get a smooth, creamy dough. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before starting.
Can I Substitute the Jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any thick jam or preserves you like—apricot, blueberry, or cherry all work well. Just avoid very runny jams to prevent leakage during baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep your Heart Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator, then roll, cut, and bake when ready. This can actually improve the flavor and texture!