Jam-Filled Heart Cookies

Name: Jam-Filled Heart Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I absolutely adore baking, especially when it comes to making these delightful Jam-Filled Heart Cookies. Each cookie is a perfect blend of buttery sweetness and fruity jam, making them an irresistible treat. The heart shape adds a romantic touch, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on special occasions. I appreciate how simple the ingredients are, yet the results are so impressive. These cookies are not only fun to make, but they also fill the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-01-08T11:18:47.025Z

Baking these Jam-Filled Heart Cookies is one of my favorite ways to show love when I'm entertaining friends or family. I used a mix of raspberry and strawberry jam for a delightful balance of tart and sweet, and it added a beautiful color contrast that made each cookie pop. After some trial and error, I learned that chilling the dough before cutting it helps maintain the shape during baking, ensuring that they come out looking as good as they taste.

Once baked, the cookies are delicate yet flavorful, and the jam filling oozes out just a bit when you bite into them—definitely a crowd-pleaser. Pairing them with a cup of tea or coffee takes the experience to another level. I often experiment with different jams to suit various tastes, and I encourage you to do the same!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Buttery cookie base that melts in your mouth
Vibrant jam filling adds a burst of flavor
Perfect for gifting or special occasions

Mastering the Cookie Dough

The key to perfecting the dough for these Jam-Filled Heart Cookies is the creaming method. Be sure to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender and delicate texture. If you skip this step or don't cream the ingredients long enough, your cookies might turn out dense instead of light and airy.

When mixing the dry ingredients, it's crucial to whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder thoroughly before adding them to the wet mixture. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, helping your cookies rise correctly during baking. Additionally, be careful not to over-mix the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; mix just until everything is incorporated to maintain the cookies' delicate texture.

Choosing the Right Jam

The choice of jam can significantly affect the outcome of your cookies. For a tart and refreshing flavor, raspberry jam is an excellent choice, while strawberry jam offers a sweeter profile. Whichever you choose, ensure the jam has a thick consistency to prevent it from leaking during baking. If your jam seems too runny, you can thicken it by simmering it gently on the stove for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

Another interesting variation is to mix different jams for a unique flavor experience. Imagine a half raspberry and half apricot filling! Mixing jams can create a delightful taste combination. As a tip, always taste your jam before using it; if it’s too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors in the final cookie.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Filling

3/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place half of the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For each cookie, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center, creating a window for the jam.

Fill and Bake

Spoon about a teaspoon of jam into the center of each whole cookie. Place the cut-out cookies on top of the jam-filled cookies, pressing down lightly to seal. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar if desired. Serve them on a pretty platter, and enjoy the compliments that follow!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try using different flavors of jam or even homemade preserves. You can also dip the cooled cookies in chocolate for a decadent twist!

Storage and Shelf Life

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, consider freezing them. To freeze, lay the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

If you've dusted the cookies with powdered sugar, it's best to store them for immediate consumption, as the sugar can dissolve into the jam or moisture over time. If you plan to store them for later, wait until just before serving to add the dusting for the best presentation and flavor.

Creative Serving Suggestions

These Jam-Filled Heart Cookies are not only beautiful but also versatile. Consider serving them at a tea party, as a sweet addition to a brunch spread, or as a charming dessert at a romantic dinner. Pairing them with a cup of tea or coffee can elevate the experience, making the flavors shine even more.

For a fun twist, you can sandwich them with a layer of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream while they're still slightly warm. This results in a delightful melted jam effect that takes these cookies to the next level, creating a dessert that's both indulgent and visually stunning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! Any fruit jam that you enjoy will work well, such as apricot, cherry, or even lemon curd.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

→ What happens if my dough is too soft?

If your dough is too soft to roll, you can chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with.