These Heart Jam Cookies are soft, buttery cookies with a sweet jam-filled center shaped like a heart. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, holidays, or anytime you want a cute and simple cookie that looks bakery-style but is very easy to make. The cookie base is tender and rich, while the jam adds a fruity pop that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are simple, classic, and always a hit. They require basic pantry ingredients, hold their shape well, and can be made with any jam flavor you love. They’re also perfect for gifting and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup strawberry, raspberry, or cherry jam
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a heart-shaped indent into the center of each cookie.
Step 5: Fill with Jam
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into the heart-shaped center of each cookie. Do not overfill.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Use apricot, blackberry, or mixed berry jam
- Add almond extract instead of vanilla
- Dust with powdered sugar after cooling
- Drizzle with white chocolate once cooled
- Roll dough balls in sugar before shaping
Cooking Notes
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft
- Use thick jam to prevent spreading
- Do not overbake or cookies will lose softness
- Wipe spoon between jam fillings for clean centers
- Cookies firm up as they cool
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tea or coffee
- Add to Valentine cookie boxes
- Display on a dessert platter
- Gift in clear bags with ribbon
- Pair with chocolate desserts
Tips
- Make heart indent before baking, not after
- Slightly warm jam makes filling easier
- Use parchment for best results
- Let cookies cool fully before stacking
- Store jam flavors separately for best look
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Approx. 150 calories
7g fat
20g carbohydrates
2g protein
FAQs
Can I use homemade jam?
Yes, as long as it is thick and not runny.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
No, they hold their shape well.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze baked cookies without jam or freeze fully baked cookies once cooled.
How long do they last?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, dough can be made 24 hours in advance.
Conclusion
Heart Jam Cookies are a timeless, beautiful treat that combines a soft buttery cookie with sweet fruity jam. They’re easy to make, adorable to serve, and perfect for sharing love through baking.