Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are wonderfully soft and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The sweet jam center adds a burst of fruity flavor that perfectly complements the delicate cookie base.
They’re visually stunning yet surprisingly simple to make, making them ideal for gifting or festive gatherings.
You can customize them with your favorite jam flavors and even add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
egg yolk
vanilla extract
salt
fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out cookies using a round or heart-shaped cutter. For half of the cookies, cut a small heart shape in the center.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and chill for 10 to 15 minutes to help them keep their shape.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
- Spread a small amount of jam on the flat side of each solid cookie.
- Place a cutout cookie on top to create a sandwich, gently pressing together.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: approximately 20 sandwich cookies
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 10 to 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 to 12 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 to 50 minutes
Variations
Use different jam flavors for a colorful assortment.
Add a touch of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Dip half of each assembled cookie in melted chocolate for a decorative finish.
For a festive look, use colored sugar instead of powdered sugar.
You can also use cookie cutters in different shapes for various occasions.
Storage/Reheating
Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
You can freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble with jam before serving.
These cookies do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes, any good-quality store-bought jam works perfectly.
Why should I chill the cookies before baking?
Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
What’s the best jam flavor to use?
Strawberry and raspberry are classic choices, but apricot and cherry are also delicious.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming soggy?
Assemble them close to serving time if possible, especially if using a very soft jam.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
The butter may have been too soft, or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough.
Can I add icing?
Yes, a light drizzle of icing can add extra sweetness and decoration.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 1/4-inch thick is ideal for sturdy yet tender cookies.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely. Kids can enjoy cutting shapes and adding the jam filling.
Conclusion
Heart Jam Cookies are a charming and delicious treat that combines buttery shortbread with sweet fruit filling. Perfect for gifting, holidays, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With their customizable flavors and elegant presentation, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.
PrintHeart Jam Cookies
Heart Jam Cookies are tender, buttery sandwich cookies filled with sweet fruit jam and finished with a charming heart-shaped cutout. Perfect for holidays and special occasions, these delicate treats are as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out cookies with a round or heart-shaped cutter. Cut a small heart in the center of half the cookies.
- Place cookies on the baking sheet and chill 10–15 minutes.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Spread jam on the flat side of each solid cookie.
- Top with a cutout cookie and gently press together.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough prevents excess spreading.
- Use thicker jam to avoid soggy cookies.
- Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Assemble close to serving time for best texture.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
