Heart Jam Cookies are the perfect little treat when you want a sweet snack with a bit of charm. These cookies are soft and buttery, with a golden crust that holds a gooey center of bright, fruity jam. The heart shape adds an extra touch of love that makes them feel special whether you’re sharing with friends or just keeping them all to yourself.
I love making Heart Jam Cookies when I want to brighten up the afternoon or surprise someone with a homemade gift. One of my favorite things is choosing different jam flavors—strawberry, raspberry, or apricot all work beautifully. They bake up quickly, and the jam stays just soft enough that each bite is a little burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the cookie dough.
These cookies are great with a cup of tea or a glass of milk, and they’re fun to make with kids because everyone can help cut the hearts and add the jam. I always find that sharing a batch of Heart Jam Cookies brings smiles and cozy moments, making them a simple recipe I come back to again and again. Plus, they’re just as good fresh out of the oven as they are the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter is best because you control how salty you want the cookies. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan butter but expect a slight change in flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives these cookies their classic sweetness and texture. You can swap in coconut sugar for a deeper flavor, but the color will be darker.
Egg yolk: The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the dough. For egg-free, try a flax egg substitute, but the texture will be less tender.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well to create the right crumb. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum added for structure.
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam gives a bright, fruity center. Choose a seedless or smooth jam for a nicer finish inside the cookie. You can also experiment with other flavors like apricot or blueberry.
Powdered sugar: Dusting gives a pretty, delicate look and light sweetness. You can skip it or replace it with a tiny bit of granulated sugar if needed.
How Do You Make Perfect Jam Windows Without Mess?
Cutting the heart-shaped window for the jam cookies can be tricky. Here’s how to get clean shapes and keep the jam neat:
- Roll the dough evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness to avoid cookies baking unevenly.
- Use two different-sized cutters: a large scalloped heart for the bottom cookie, and a smaller solid heart for cutting the jam window on the top cookie.
- Chill your dough discs before cutting to make them firm and less sticky—this helps keep your shapes sharp when cutting.
- Work gently when lifting the jam-window tops so they don’t stretch or tear.
- When spreading jam, use just a teaspoon to avoid spillage; spread gently leaving a small border around the edges.
- Assemble right before serving or storage to keep the jam from making the cookies soggy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I prefer a large one for creaming butter and sugar, and smaller ones for dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes creaming the butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough evenly to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – one for the full cookies and one for the jam windows, adding a cute shape.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cooling rack – for letting the cookies cool before filling with jam and decorating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different jams like apricot, blueberry, or peach for varied fruit flavors and colors.
- Add a splash of almond or lemon extract to the dough for a subtle extra aroma.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for extra texture.
- Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light glaze for a more decadent look.
How to Make Heart Jam Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup (160g) raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite red berry jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 1 hour to chill the dough, and around 10 minutes to bake. Plus, allow some time for the cookies to cool before filling and dusting them. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cookie Dough:
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a disc. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps make rolling and cutting the dough easier.
3. Cut and Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Use a scalloped heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out whole heart cookies for the bottoms and arrange them on the baking sheet. Roll out the second disc and use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers of the cookies, making “window” tops. Bake the solid cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges turn light golden. Bake the window cookies slightly less, about 7-9 minutes, watching carefully to avoid over-browning. Let all cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Assemble the Heart Jam Cookies:
Once cooled, spread about one teaspoon of your favorite jam evenly over each solid cookie. Carefully place a jam-window cookie on top to create a sandwich. Press gently to secure.
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a pretty, delicate look. Now they’re ready to share and enjoy!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. These cookies are just as delightful fresh as they are the next day!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Heart Jam Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting to ensure the best texture.
What’s the Best Jam to Use?
Raspberry and strawberry jams are classic choices because of their bright color and sweet-tart flavor. Seedless jams work best for a smooth filling, but feel free to try apricot, blueberry, or your favorite fruit jam!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your Heart Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the fridge to prevent the jam from getting too soft.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake the cookies and assemble them on the day you plan to serve them for the freshest look and texture. You can prepare the dough and freeze it ahead too, but avoid adding jam until just before serving to keep the cookies crisp.