Jam-Filled Heart Cookies

Name: Jam-Filled Heart Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice); Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Inspiration

I always find myself gravitating towards sweet, nostalgic treats, and these Jam-Filled Heart Cookies are no exception. With just the right balance of buttery goodness and fruity filling, they take me back to childhood afternoons spent baking with my family. The process of rolling out the dough and cutting perfect heart shapes is both relaxing and rewarding. Plus, the surprise of bright jam oozing from each cookie makes these an irresistible delight for any occasion.

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2026-01-08T12:46:36.921Z

Baking these cookies has become a delightful tradition in my home. I remember the excitement of filling each heart-shaped cutout with a generous dollop of jam, watching as the vibrant colors peeked through the dough. It never ceases to amaze me how such simple ingredients can create a treat that’s not only pleasing to the eye but also to the taste buds.

One essential tip I've learned is to chill the dough before rolling it out. This makes handling the dough much easier and ensures that the cookies hold their shape during baking. Trust me; this small step makes a world of difference in the outcome!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Delicate buttery flavor complements a variety of jams
Beautiful heart-shaped design perfect for gifting
A cherished family recipe that brings back memories

      

The Art of Rolling and Cutting

Rolling out cookie dough can be a fun and satisfying process, but it's essential to keep it cold for the best results. After chilling the dough, flour your work surface generously to prevent sticking. When rolling, aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch; this ensures that the cookies bake uniformly. If the dough seems too sticky, you can lightly dust the top with flour before rolling. Use a sharp heart-shaped cookie cutter for clean edges—this makes a difference in presentation.

As you cut the dough into heart shapes, try to minimize the number of times you re-roll it. Reworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies. Instead, cut out your first batch, and then reform the scraps into a new ball only once more. Keep the remaining dough chilled in the fridge while you work on the first batch to maintain its integrity and texture.

Choosing the Right Jam

The type of jam you select will significantly affect the flavor profile of your heart cookies. While classic choices like raspberry or strawberry bring a sweet-tart contrast to the buttery dough, consider experimenting with other options like apricot or cherry for a different twist. Try to avoid overly chunky jams, as they can make the cookies difficult to seal. A smooth, spreadable jam will create the perfect ooze when bitten into, enhancing that delightful surprise factor.

If you want to incorporate a touch of sophistication, consider using preserves or curds with complementary flavors such as lemon curd or elderberry jelly. Just remember to adjust the quantity slightly if you're working with a thicker texture, aiming for about half a teaspoon per cookie to prevent overflow during baking.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To maintain the freshness of your Jam-Filled Heart Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to five days, but for optimal flavor, enjoy them within the first two days. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing the cookies. Place cooled, filled cookies in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months; simply thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

For an extra treat, consider pairing your cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, as the sweet fruitiness is an excellent contrast to the bitter notes of brewed beverages. These cookies also make delightful gifts. Consider packaging them in heart-shaped tins or decorative boxes, lined with colorful tissue paper, to enhance your presentation and share them with loved ones during special occasions or holidays.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice)
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing half on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut a smaller heart shape in the middle of the remaining cookies.

Fill and Bake

Spoon about half a teaspoon of fruit jam onto the center of each whole heart cookie, then top with the cookies that have the cut-out shapes. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Dust and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve and enjoy your delicious, homemade Jam-Filled Heart Cookies!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try using different flavors of jam or even chocolate spread. Just make sure the filling isn't too runny to avoid spills during baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, cookies may spread too much during baking, resulting in flat shapes. This can occur if the dough is not sufficiently chilled or if the butter was too soft when mixed. If you notice this happening, try chilling the unbaked cookies for an additional 10-15 minutes before putting them in the oven. This simple step can help maintain their shape and texture.

Alternatively, if the cookies are too crumbly after baking, this might indicate that there was too much flour in the dough. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, ideally using a kitchen scale. If you suspect over-flouring, next time, try spooning the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly.

Variations to Try

To add a unique twist to your Jam-Filled Heart Cookies, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm flavor notes. A teaspoon of vanilla bean paste could also enhance the buttery essence. You could even experiment with using almond extract instead of vanilla for a wonderful complement to fruity jams.

If you're looking to make these cookies more indulgent, try sandwiching a layer of dark chocolate ganache between the cookie layers before adding the jam. This addition creates a more decadent treat, perfect for special gatherings or as a luxurious dessert to enjoy at home.

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to make a larger batch of these delightful cookies for gatherings or parties, you can easily double the ingredients. Just ensure that your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity. When baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking, particularly if your oven has hot spots.

Conversely, if you want to make a smaller batch, simply halve the ingredients. This works well for a quick, sweet treat without the temptation of too many cookies hanging around. Remember to adjust your baking time slightly; smaller cookies may require a minute or two less in the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.

→ What kind of jam works best?

Any type of fruit jam or preserves can be used! Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot are great choices.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.