If you are looking for a charming treat that is both delightful to make and irresistible to eat, this Heart Print Jam Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, buttery cookies with a sweet dollop of raspberry or strawberry jam nestled in the center are the perfect bite-sized indulgence that makes every occasion feel special. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply to brighten someone’s day, these cookies bring warmth and happiness with each heart-shaped impression and jammy center.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients that bring out a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each item contributes to creating those melt-in-your-mouth cookies that gently hold the fruity jam kisses in the middle.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This gives the cookies their rich, creamy base and tender crumb.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a delicate crispness around the edges.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and moisture for a soft, chewy texture inside each bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to complement the jam filling beautifully.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The framework of your cookie—be sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift that keeps cookies light, not dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam: The sweet, tangy heart of these cookies—you can experiment with your favorite flavors too!
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): For that pretty snowy finish, perfect for gifting or festive occasions.
How to Make Heart Print Jam Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, so cleanup is a breeze too.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This is key for a tender cookie texture that almost melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This step brings moisture and flavor, helping the dough come together smoothly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution for consistent texture and flavor in every cookie.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients to Form Dough
Gradually add the flour mixture into your butter and sugar batter. Stir gently until a soft dough forms—it might seem a bit crumbly at first but should hold together when pressed. If your dough feels too sticky, a chill in the fridge for 20 minutes can help immensely.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies and Create Heart Indentations
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, press a delicate heart shape indentation right into the center of each ball. This charming touch will hold the jam perfectly.
Step 7: Fill with Jam and Bake
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen seedless jam into each heart indentation. If your jam is thick, warming it slightly in the microwave makes it easier to spoon. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for the edges to turn just golden, signaling they are baked to perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Powdered Sugar Dusting
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely, snowy finish and a hint of extra sweetness—but it’s totally optional depending on your mood or occasion.
How to Serve Heart Print Jam Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving or arrange fresh berries alongside the cookies. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pretty pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the fruity jam.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, fresh coffee, or even a frothy latte. For a heartier treat, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the snack into a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the Heart Print Jam Cookies Recipe on a beautiful plate layered with parchment or lace doilies for a vintage feel. For special occasions, stack them tied with a festive ribbon or place them in decorative tins to make an unforgettable homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them dry out and lose their tender crumb charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, offering you a delicious treat whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring your frozen cookies back to life, let them thaw at room temperature and warm gently in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This helps revive their soft, buttery texture and refreshes the jam’s flavor perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of jam in the Heart Print Jam Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry or strawberry jam works beautifully here, feel free to experiment with apricot, blueberry, or even a marmalade for different flavors and colors. Just make sure your jam is seedless or strain it for a smoother filling.
What if my dough is too soft to handle?
Chilling the dough for about 20 minutes in the refrigerator helps firm it up, making it easier to roll and shape. This also prevents excessive spreading while baking, keeping those adorable heart shapes intact.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
With some substitutions, yes! Use plant-based butter and an egg substitute such as flaxseed meal mixed with water to keep a similar texture. Just keep in mind that the taste might vary slightly, but the heartwarming effect will remain.
Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much?
If your cookies spread excessively, try chilling the dough before baking and ensure you are measuring your flour correctly. Too little flour or warm dough can cause them to flatten out instead of keeping their shape.
Is it necessary to use powdered sugar for dusting?
Powdered sugar is optional but adds a lovely visual and a touch of extra sweetness. If you prefer a cleaner look or less sugar, you can skip this step without compromising the delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing this Heart Print Jam Cookies Recipe as much as I do. Nothing beats the joy of creating something so simple yet so heartwarming to look at and savor. So grab that jam, get your hands in the dough, and prepare to fall in love with these sweet little bites of happiness. Your kitchen will smell irresistible, and your loved ones will thank you for it!
Print
Heart Print Jam Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Heart Print Jam Cookies are delightful, soft buttery cookies with a sweet center of raspberry or strawberry jam, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Their charming heart-shaped jam imprint makes them as adorable as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined, incorporating moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms, ensuring not to overwork it for a tender cookie.
- Form Cookie Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches space between to allow spreading.
- Create Heart Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press a heart-shaped indentation into the center of each cookie ball, making space for the jam.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of seedless raspberry or strawberry jam into each heart indentation carefully without overfilling.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from oven; let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- If the jam is too thick, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to spoon into the indentations.
- You can use any flavor of seedless jam based on your preference.
- If the dough feels too soft and hard to handle, chill it for 20 minutes before rolling to firm it up.
