Table of Contents
There is something so heartwarming about baking cookies that make everyone around you smile. I’m a Norwegian mom who adores bringing fun into the kitchen. And these Heart Jam Cookies are my absolute favorite way to do that. They are buttery, sweet, and feature a charming heart of jam right in the center. I’ve made these with my kids for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and even cozy Sunday afternoons when we just want a treat.
Today, I’ll walk you through my entire process and share how you can make these heart shaped jam cookies taste fantastic, no matter your skill level. I’ll also include tips for customizing flavors, adding splashes of citrus, and making them gluten-free if you need. My friends sometimes call these jam heart cookies or raspberry heart cookies, but no matter the name, they always bring a bit of joy to the table.
I want you to feel empowered to whip up a batch of these delightful valentine thumbprint cookies for any occasion. So, let’s dive into the heart jam cookies recipe I hold dear. I promise, once you make them, you’ll fall in love with how simple and scrumptious they turn out.
What Are Heart Jam Cookies?
If you’ve never heard of them, Heart Jam Cookies are closely related to thumbprint cookies, but with a romantic twist. Instead of a round thumbprint, you shape the center into a small heart. Then you fill that heart with jam before baking. The jam sets, the cookie bakes, and you get these lovely sweets that look like a tiny expression of love.
Many people refer to them as heart butter cookies because of their rich, buttery dough. Others might call them heart shaped cookies with jam since you typically see a bright center peeking through. I’ve also heard them compared to linzer cookies, though linzers usually sandwich the jam between two cookie layers. In this recipe, we nestle the jam in a single layer of dough. It’s simpler but still oh so pretty.
Why do I adore them? Because they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, baby showers, or just an everyday pick-me-up. The jam is sweet with a hint of tart, and the buttery cookie crumbles in your mouth. Whenever I bake these, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of my heart with friends and family. That might sound cheesy, but it’s true!
Heart Jam Cookies Ingredients
I’ve learned over the years that the simplest ingredients can often yield the most delicious baked goods. In my heart jam cookies recipe, you’ll find a short list of pantry staples. Let’s take a look:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups / 280 g)
Regular, unbleached all-purpose flour does wonders here. It provides the structure for our cookies. - Cornstarch (2 teaspoons)
This helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Some folks also call it maizena. It’s a secret weapon for softer cookies. - Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness. I rarely skip salt because it rounds out all the other flavors. - Unsalted Butter (1 cup)
It needs to be at room temperature. Soft butter mixes smoothly with sugar, ensuring a creamy dough. Using salted butter isn’t the end of the world, but I prefer controlling the salt myself. - Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup) and Light Brown Sugar (1/3 cup)
This blend of sugars adds both sweetness and a slight caramel note from the brown sugar. That tiny difference can make your heart shaped jam cookies extra tasty. - Egg Yolk (1 large)
It adds moisture, richness, and helps bind the dough. Using only the yolk ensures the cookie stays tender. - Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons) and Almond Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons, optional)
I usually include both because the almond extract brings a special depth of flavor. But if you’re not a fan, feel free to omit or reduce it. - Raspberry Jam (1/2 cup)
Raspberry jam brings a tangy, bright taste. However, you can use strawberry or apricot jam if you prefer. No rules here—just pick your favorite.
These heart jam cookies ingredients are easy to find and rarely cost much. The final result, though, tastes like a million bucks. If you’ve got the basics, you’re good to go.
How to Make Heart Jam Cookies
I like to keep my recipes straightforward, especially when my kids want to help. This method is forgiving, and you don’t need fancy kitchen tools beyond a mixer (hand or stand), a couple of bowls, and baking sheets lined with parchment. Let’s break it down:
- Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line two 13×9-inch baking sheets with parchment paper. Let the paper fit snugly so the cookies don’t slide around. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. This step only takes a second but ensures everything distributes evenly. - Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl (or stand mixer with the paddle attachment), add the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Start mixing on medium speed and then gradually go up to medium-high. Beat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. - Add Yolk and Flavor Extracts
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no pockets of butter remain unmixed. Then add your egg yolk, vanilla extract, and that almond extract (if using). Mix on low speed just until combined. - Incorporate the Dry Mix
Keep the mixer on low and slowly add the flour mixture. Pause to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. You want a cohesive dough that’s soft but not sticky. - Shape Dough Balls
Grab a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop. Scoop out even portions of dough and roll them gently between your palms. Smooth balls will bake into prettier cookies. - Create Heart Indentations
Place each dough ball on the parchment-lined sheet. Use your pinky finger (or the back of a small utensil) to form two angled indentations that meet at a point, mimicking a heart shape. Be sure to press gently but deeply enough to hold the jam. - Chill the Dough
Slide the entire baking sheet into the freezer for 30 minutes or the fridge for about an hour. This step helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. - Preheat the Oven
Once your dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). That’s the sweet spot for these cookies. - Fill the Hearts
Warm your jam in the microwave for around 10 seconds so it’s easier to spoon. Fill each heart indent with about a 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Don’t overfill or the jam might bubble over during baking. - Bake Until Golden
Pop each tray into the oven for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn lightly golden. - Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now you have fresh, adorable heart shaped cookies with jam ready to impress.
Pro Tips for Perfect Heart Shaped Jam Cookies
I’ve made these jam heart cookies many times, so I’ve compiled a few secrets to ensure success:
- Soften Butter the Quick Way
If you forget to leave out your butter, fill a glass with warm water. Empty it and place the glass upside down over your stick of butter. A few minutes later, you have softened butter ready to go. - Avoid Overmixing
Once you add the flour, mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of melt-in-your-mouth heart butter cookies. - Shape the Heart Deep Enough
Make sure you press a clear indentation. A shallow heart can disappear in the oven’s heat, leaving barely a dent for jam. - Chill, Chill, Chill
Colder dough doesn’t spread as much, so your heart shape stays neat. If your kitchen is very warm, you can even pop the dough back in the fridge between batches. - Warm the Jam Slightly
This trick makes the jam easier to spoon or pour into the heart. Less mess, more precision. - Check the Oven Early
Everyone’s oven is a tad different. Start checking at 9 or 10 minutes. You want them lightly golden, not browned.
Following these tips helps me make consistent valentine thumbprint cookies that everyone enjoys. There’s something so rewarding about that first bite of buttery dough plus fruity jam. Heaven on a cookie sheet!
Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Bakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Heart Jam Cookies are buttery, soft, and filled with sweet raspberry jam. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or any special occasion. This easy-to-make recipe creates delicious thumbprint cookies with a heart-shaped jam center that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two 13×9-inch baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to roll dough into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Make Heart Indentations: Use your pinky finger to create a small heart-shaped indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the shaped cookies for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill with Jam: Slightly warm the jam in the microwave (10-15 seconds), then fill each heart indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- For extra texture, roll dough balls in granulated sugar before baking.
- Almond extract is optional, but it adds a delicate nutty flavor.
- Cookies store well for up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature or 2 weeks in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Sugar: ~7g
- Sodium: ~30mg
- Fat: ~6g
- Saturated Fat: ~3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~1g
- Cholesterol: ~15mg
Keywords: heart jam cookies, jam heart cookies, heart jam cookies recipe, raspberry heart cookies, thumbprint cookies, heart shaped cookies with jam
Flavor Variations and Creative Twists
I love that these heart jam cookies are so versatile. Sure, raspberry jam is classic, but you can have fun experimenting:
- Strawberry
If you’re a fan of sweet strawberry goodness, swap in strawberry jam. It adds a pop of bright red color too. For a deeper berry flavor, you could even try a homemade strawberry compote. - Apricot or Peach
In summer months, an apricot or peach jam pairs wonderfully with citrus zest in the dough. Orange zest especially highlights the fruitiness. - Chocolate Filling
Melt a handful of chocolate chips in the microwave. Fill the heart indentation with the melted chocolate and let it set. You’ll have a treat similar to some classic chocolate thumbprint cookies. - Nutty Delight
Skip the jam. Fill the cookie with hazelnut spread for a richer flavor. Top with chopped nuts if you want a little crunch. - Citrus Zest in Dough
Lemon or orange zest adds a refreshing tang. It pairs nicely with berry-based jams. Sometimes I zest half a lemon right into the dough. It brightens everything up.
Feel free to get creative! I’ve even used homemade blueberry jam in these tiktok jam heart cookies recipe creations, and they turned out delicious. The best part is you can tailor the flavor to suit any event or craving.
Related Recipes to Explore
If you enjoy easy desserts with a fruity twist, you might love these other sweet ideas:
- Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls – Easy No-Bake Dessert
When I crave something creamy and fruity without turning on the oven, these cheesecake rolls save the day. They combine shortcake nostalgia with a smooth cheesecake filling. Perfect for warm days or whenever you need a simple no-bake delight. - Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Easy & Delicious Pink Treats
If pink is your color and you adore strawberry flavor, these kiss cookies will steal your heart. They’re soft, pretty, and perfect for gift-giving or a quick celebration at home. - Valentine’s Chocolate Bark Recipe – Easy & Festive Treat
For a simple but impressive chocolate fix, nothing beats a quick chocolate bark. Decorate it with sprinkles, nuts, or crushed candies. It’s a great last-minute Valentine’s gift or party favor.
Go ahead and explore. I find each of these brings a certain spark to dessert time, especially around Valentine’s Day. There’s something about pink, red, and chocolate that fits any romantic or festive gathering.
Common Challenges and How to Solve Them
Let’s be real: even the most experienced bakers encounter hiccups. Over the years, I’ve seen a few recurring pitfalls with jam heart cookies. Here they are, along with my tried-and-true fixes:
1. Excessive Spreading
- Problem: Cookies flatten out, losing the heart shape.
- Solution: Check that your butter wasn’t overly soft or melted. Always chill the dough before baking. If your kitchen is warm, pop the tray in the fridge again just before baking.
2. Jam Overflow
- Problem: The jam bubbles out and dribbles onto the tray.
- Solution: Use slightly less jam, and warm it only a little. If the jam is too runny, it can boil over. Also, make the heart indentation deep enough to hold the jam securely.
3. Crumbly Dough
- Problem: The dough won’t stay together when rolled.
- Solution: Ensure you measured flour correctly (spoon-and-level method works best). Overpacking the flour can make the dough dry. Also, confirm you used the full amount of butter.
4. Hard, Dry Cookies
- Problem: The cookies turn out tough or crunchy, not soft.
- Solution: Don’t overbake. Remove them as soon as the edges begin to turn golden. Overmixing the dough also causes dryness, so keep mixing to a minimum once flour is added.
5. Heart Shape Disappears
- Problem: The cute shape you made is nowhere to be seen.
- Solution: Make a deep imprint and keep the dough cold. The first few times, you might have to practice the shape. If you have a mini heart cutter, you can press it slightly into the dough, then remove it to reveal a perfect cavity.
No problem is insurmountable with a bit of patience. I like to remind my kids that baking is part art, part science. Mistakes happen. But the sweet aroma in the kitchen and the joy of tasting fresh cookies are worth the learning curve.
FAQ Section
Below are six questions that people often ask before baking these heart jam cookies recipe. I hope my answers help you feel confident and ready to tackle the dough.
1. Can I Use Different Types of Jam or Jelly?
2. What if I Don’t Have Almond Extract?
3. How Do I Store These Cookies After Baking?
4. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
5. Are These Cookies Kid-Friendly?
6. Can I Double the Recipe?
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Many of us have friends or family who need to avoid gluten. Happily, these heart shaped jam cookies can work perfectly well with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Here’s how to adapt:
- Use a Reliable Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Look for a brand specifically marketed as a cup-for-cup replacement for all-purpose flour. These blends often include binders like xanthan gum. - Monitor Dough Consistency
Gluten-free flours can vary. If your dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour blend. - Chill the Dough Longer
Sometimes gluten-free dough benefits from a bit of extra fridge time. This helps the cookies hold their shape. - Taste Test
The flavor should remain similar. The texture might be slightly more crumbly, but it’s still quite delightful.
I’ve gifted these gluten-free heart jam cookies to a friend who can’t eat wheat, and she was over the moon. It’s nice knowing everyone can enjoy a sweet treat without worrying about dietary restrictions.
My Personal Baking Anecdotes
I remember my very first attempt at making heart shaped cookies with jam. My daughter was about six at the time. We were dancing around the kitchen to some upbeat tunes, singing off-key, and measuring ingredients haphazardly. I accidentally doubled the cornstarch, and the dough felt strange and sticky. We still baked them, half-laughing and half-worried.
When they came out of the oven, the cookies were more like puffy clouds than defined hearts. But you know what? They still tasted amazing. My daughter said, “Mamma, these are the best jam cookies in the world!” That moment made me realize that even mistakes can lead to delicious discoveries.
Over time, I refined my approach. I learned that you can’t just eyeball the flour or skip chilling. Yet I never forgot that carefree feeling, dancing around the kitchen, turning a small mishap into a family memory. Baking is about so much more than just following steps. It’s about the time spent together, the shared laughs, and the final sweet reward.
Tips for Serving and Gifting
When I bring these heart jam cookies to parties or dinners, people often ask for the recipe. They look fancy, but they’re really not complicated. If you want to take them up a notch, here are a few ideas:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once cooled, sift some powdered sugar lightly over the top. It gives a pretty finish reminiscent of linzer cookies. - Decorative Box
For Valentine’s Day or a bridal shower, arrange them in a small gift box lined with tissue paper. Tie it with a ribbon. Presentation counts, especially if you’re gifting these. - Use Holiday Sprinkles
Press pink, red, or heart-shaped sprinkles around the edges of the dough ball before making the indentation. It looks extra festive for Valentine’s Day or birthdays. - Pair with Tea or Coffee
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea. I often serve them at ladies’ gatherings or baby showers. The sweet jam balances nicely with a mild tea or coffee. - Serve Warm
Pop them in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes if you want them slightly warm for serving. The jam becomes gooey, and the cookie edges soften.
Gifting these cookies is a tangible way of saying you care. I’ve seen them used as party favors, teacher appreciation gifts, and even as a small gesture of thanks to a helpful neighbor. The heart shape adds that thoughtful touch that says, “I baked these just for you.”
Freezing and Long-Term Storage
Sometimes, I want fresh cookies without the fuss of mixing dough at the last minute. Or I bake a huge batch and need to save them for later. If you’re in the same boat, here’s how I handle it:
- Freeze the Dough
After shaping the dough balls and creating the heart indentation, place them on a tray and freeze for about 30 minutes. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them briefly (or bake from frozen with a slight time adjustment) and fill with jam. - Freeze the Baked Cookies
Let them cool completely. Arrange them in layers separated by parchment paper. You can freeze them in a large container or freezer bag. They keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature, and enjoy whenever the craving hits. - Preventing Frost Damage
Double-wrap if you’re storing them for more than a month. A layer of plastic wrap plus a freezer bag helps lock out moisture. - Reheating
I like to warm them in the oven at 325°F for about 5–8 minutes. This refreshes the texture. Be mindful that jam can get very hot, so let them cool briefly before biting in.
Having a stash of these heart jam cookies in the freezer is a lifesaver on busy days. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cheered up a gloomy afternoon with a quick cookie break. Especially during winter, a warm cookie and a cup of tea can feel like a mini-vacation.
Encouraging Family and Friends to Bake
One thing I’ve discovered is how these cookies bring people together. My mom used to bake something similar, though she’d shape hers into circles or stars. I took her idea and added the heart indentation for a personal spin. Now my daughter is old enough to do most steps herself. She laughs when she accidentally makes “funny hearts” that look more like squiggles. But that’s half the joy.
When friends come over, I sometimes invite them to help shape the dough. We chat, catch up on life, and the house smells heavenly. It’s almost like a mini baking party. If you have friends who say, “Oh, I’m not a baker,” show them how simple these steps are. Before long, they’re pressing jam into little hearts and feeling proud.
Baking fosters connection, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro. I think that’s why these jam heart cookies pinterest recipe ideas get shared so often. Folks love posting pictures of their jam-filled treats, especially in cute heart shapes. It’s a universal sign of affection. So if you’re considering making them, invite someone to join you. It multiplies the fun.
Serving Heart Jam Cookies for Special Occasions
While these cookies scream Valentine’s Day, I truly believe they fit many special days:
- Mother’s Day
Serve them on a platter next to a vase of fresh flowers. They look dainty and sweet. - Baby Showers
Swap in pastel jams or dust with pink or blue sprinkles if you know the baby’s gender. Or keep it neutral if it’s a surprise. - Weddings or Engagement Parties
Heart shapes are perfect for celebrating love. Bake them in bulk, place in treat bags, and watch them disappear. - Christmas
Use a variety of red and green jams, add festive sprinkles, and you’ve got holiday cookies that stand out. My family in Norway loves having a variety of cookies on the holiday table. These always make an appearance. - Random Acts of Kindness
Sometimes you don’t need a reason. A friend is having a tough week? Drop off a dozen of these cookies. It can brighten their day in a way words sometimes can’t.
I’ve taken a platter of heart shaped jam cookies to my neighbor’s housewarming party and watched them vanish in under an hour. People appreciate homemade baked goods because they represent time, thoughtfulness, and love. And these cookies exude love in every bite.
Final Thoughts and a Grateful Perspective
Whenever I make these heart jam cookies recipe for my family, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I’m grateful for the cozy kitchen I get to bake in, for the ability to share treats with loved ones, and for the simple joy of watching jam bubble in the oven. It sounds silly, but I think those small things count.
If you’ve never tried your hand at tiktok jam heart cookies recipe or any kind of thumbprint cookies, don’t be shy. Start with a small batch. Laugh if it comes out imperfect. And celebrate if you nail it on the first try. Baking is an adventure, and I promise these cookies are worth it.
I hope I’ve helped you feel confident enough to roll up your sleeves and bake. If you do, let me know how they turned out. Better yet, snap a photo and share it on Pinterest so we can all admire your beautiful treats. There’s something about seeing everyone’s different jam choices and unique heart shapes that warms my heart.
If you’re excited to bake Heart Jam Cookies or know someone who would love them, don’t forget to share the recipe. Pin it on Pinterest, mention it to a friend, or bookmark this post. I’d love for more people to discover this sweet tradition. Feel free to experiment with flavors and decorations, and make it your own.
Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and the delightful scent of freshly baked heart shaped cookies with jam!
Word to the wise: Always keep a bit of extra jam on standby. You never know when you’ll want to sneak in an extra spoonful!