Name: Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 1 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (at 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; 1/2 cup raspberry jam

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If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug wrapped in sweetness, the Heart Jam Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delicate, buttery cookies with their charming heart-shaped jam centers are both beautiful and delicious, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or sneaking a few moments of joy just for yourself. Each bite delivers a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, balanced perfectly by the vibrant burst of raspberry jam nestled right in the middle. Trust me, once you try these, they become an instant favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

The image shows a close-up of several round cookies with a small heart-shaped jam center. Each cookie has one layer: a light golden-brown soft dough ring forming the outer part, with a shiny, deep red jam filling in the heart shape inside the middle. The cookies are arranged on a dark round plate with a rough texture placed on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand with red painted nails is holding one cookie, showing the jam heart shape clearly in the foreground. A red cloth with white polka dots is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Heart Jam Cookies Recipe truly shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component works harmoniously to give you cookies with the perfect crumb, flavor depth, and that irresistible golden-brown color. Let’s break down what makes this recipe so special and easy to prepare.

All purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s tender, sturdy base and ensures perfect texture.
Cornstarch: Adds a subtle softness by lightening the dough.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Delivers rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth quality when creamed with sugar.
Light brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a slight caramel undertone to deepen the flavor.
Granulated sugar: Helps the cookies crisp up just right around the edges.
Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough for a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with warm, aromatic notes.
Almond extract: Provides a subtle, nutty flavor that elevates the jam filling.
Raspberry jam: The star of the show, giving each cookie a spoonful of vibrant, fruity sweetness.

How to Make Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Dry Ingredients

Start by lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly. Next, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl, setting this dry mixture aside for later. This simple blend ensures your cookies will have just the right texture and tenderness.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl or with your stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the brown and granulated sugars. Begin on medium speed and gradually increase to medium-high, continuing until the mixture looks lighter in color and very creamy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for that soft yet slightly crisp cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Extracts

Scrape down the bowl so all ingredients are well incorporated. Then add your egg yolk followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Mixing these in thoroughly adds moisture and those wonderful aromatic layers that make the recipe stand out.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Lower your mixer speed and slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Don’t rush this part—mix gently and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is perfectly blended without overworking the dough. This helps your cookies stay tender and light.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to form smooth dough balls, rolling between your palms for a nice, even finish. Place the balls 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. Then make a small heart-shaped indentation in the center of each dough ball using your pinky finger—this is where your jam magic will happen! Chill the cookie sheets in the freezer for 30 minutes or the refrigerator for an hour to let the dough firm up, which is essential for that perfect bake.

Step 6: Add Jam and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F while the dough firms up. Warm the raspberry jam slightly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds until it’s easier to spoon smoothly. Fill each heart indentation with roughly half a teaspoon of this jam, creating a glossy, jewel-like centerpiece. Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a subtle golden brown, then let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of many round cookies with pale golden dough, each featuring a heart-shaped center filled with shiny dark red jam, arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. The smooth cookie edges frame the glossy jam filling, which has a slightly sticky texture and rich color, creating a nice contrast between the soft cookie and the shiny heart centers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are naturally beautiful, but you can add a bit more charm by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or drizzling a thin line of melted white chocolate over the tops for elegance. Fresh mint leaves beside your serving plate can add a refreshing aroma and a lovely pop of green.

Side Dishes

Heart Jam Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and snacks. Try serving them alongside a steaming cup of your favorite tea, a rich hot chocolate, or a fresh berry smoothie. For gatherings, a platter that includes fresh fruit, assorted nuts, or a cheese board can create a delightful sweet-savory balance that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange these cookies in layers inside a pretty tin or box lined with colorful tissue paper. You can also tie small stacks together with rustic twine or a satin ribbon to give a homemade gift vibe. For parties, placing them on a decorative cupcake stand adds height and visual interest to your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Heart Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them perfect for baking ahead or enjoying throughout the week with your afternoon coffee or tea.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. If freezing dough balls, shape them and place on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a sealed bag or container. When ready, just thaw and bake per the recipe. Baked cookies can also be frozen; place parchment paper between layers in a container to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To enjoy your Heart Jam Cookies warm and fresh, reheat them briefly in a low oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds. Watch carefully so the jam stays luscious and the cookie doesn’t dry out. This little step revives their tender, buttery goodness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam for this Heart Jam Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam provides a classic, tart balance, you can experiment with strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry jams. Just choose a jam that isn’t too runny to keep the cookies neat during baking.

Is cornstarch necessary in this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch plays a subtle but important role in creating a soft, tender cookie. It lightens the dough and prevents the cookies from becoming too dense or tough.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms the dough so the cookies keep their shape and the jam stays nicely nestled in the heart-shaped indentations instead of spreading out during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

With some adjustments, yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results, but keep the cornstarch as is. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How do I make the heart shapes uniform?

Using your pinky finger is a great natural way, but if you want uniform hearts, a small heart-shaped cookie cutter pressed gently into the dough before chilling works perfectly too.

Final Thoughts

Making the Heart Jam Cookies Recipe is like stitching together simple ingredients with a lot of love and care into something truly special. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, these cookies bring joy with every bite and look absolutely adorable on any plate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—happy baking!

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