Heart Jam Cookies are sweet, soft treats with a delightful jammy center that makes every bite a little surprise. These cookies have a tender, buttery dough wrapped around a dollop of your favorite jam, giving them a perfect mix of softness and fruity flavor. The little heart shape on top adds a cute, homemade touch that’s hard to resist.
I love making these cookies when I want something cheerful to share with friends or family. There’s just something about that burst of jam in the middle that never fails to bring smiles around the table. My favorite tip is to use a mix of different jams—like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot—so you get a colorful batch that’s fun to pick from.
These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. I find that they’re especially great when you want a simple, sweet treat that feels like a little hug in cookie form. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead, so you can have a fresh batch ready whenever you need a quick mood booster.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the foundation of the dough, giving your cookies structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty!
Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best control over salt levels and that rich, creamy flavor. If dairy is an issue, a good plant-based butter substitute can work, but it might affect the cookie’s crispness.
Jam: Raspberry and strawberry are classics here. You can swap for any thick jam or preserves you like. Just avoid very runny jams as they can make the cookies soggy.
Vanilla & Almond Extract: Vanilla is a must for warmth and depth. Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely nutty note. If you don’t have almond, just leave it out or add a tiny pinch of cinnamon for a twist.
How Can I Keep the Dough From Getting Too Sticky and Hard to Work With?
The dough for these cookies is buttery and a little soft, so chilling is key to handle it easily.
- After mixing, divide the dough into two and wrap each in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour — this firms up the butter and makes rolling easier.
- If the dough still feels sticky, sprinkle a little flour on your rolling surface and rolling pin but avoid adding too much to keep cookies tender.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick — too thin and the cookies can break, too thick and they might be doughy.
Taking these steps will help you cut neat shapes and make assembling your jam sandwich cookies a breeze!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling pin – I like it because it helps roll plenty of dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Large heart-shaped cookie cutter – makes perfect, charming shapes for the cookies.
- Small heart-shaped cutter – for cutting out the centers of some cookies, creating a window for the jam.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Wire rack – cools the cookies quickly and evenly after baking.
- Spatula – helps transfer cookies to and from the baking sheets without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different jams like apricot or blueberry for a new flavor twist. They add a unique color and taste.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom into the dough for a warm, spicy hint that’s nice with fruit jams.
- Mix in chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the dough for extra texture and crunch.
- Swap vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a bright flavor change that complements the fruit jam.
Heart Jam Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For The Filling and Topping:
- 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 1 hour for chilling the dough, and 8-10 minutes to bake. Cooling and assembling the cookies will take an additional 15 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Flavors:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is well mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough forms. Don’t overmix!
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll and Cut the Bottom Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out whole hearts and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Roll and Cut the Top Cookies:
Roll out the second dough portion similarly. Use the large heart cutter to cut out shapes, then use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut a “window” in the center of each. Transfer these to another baking sheet.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake both trays for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks.
10. Assemble Your Heart Jam Cookies:
Spread about 1 teaspoon of your favorite jam on each whole cookie (bottom piece). Gently place a cookie with the heart window on top, pressing lightly to make a sandwich.
11. Final Touch:
Dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a pretty, sweet finish.
12. Store and Enjoy:
Store your Heart Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Share and enjoy these lovely, homemade treats!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Heart Jam Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting to make handling easier.
What Are Good Jam Substitutes?
Any thick fruit preserves like apricot, blueberry, or blackberry work well. Avoid very runny or homemade jams that are too soft, as they can leak and make the cookies soggy.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake and assemble the cookies, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They taste great fresh but also soften deliciously after a day.
How Do I Prevent the Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
Keep the dough chilled well before baking and avoid over-rolling it too thin. Using cold baking sheets also helps keep their shape during baking for that perfect heart!
