Name: Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 68 reviews

If you’re looking for a charming, sweet treat that never fails to bring smiles, you simply must try this Heart Jam Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies combine the tender crumb of buttery dough with a vibrant burst of raspberry jam right at the center, creating a perfect balance of soft and fruity goodness. Whether you’re gifting them to a friend, enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, or adding a romantic touch to your dessert table, these cookies feel like little edible hugs that brighten any moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of a baking process on a white marbled background. The top left corner has a white bowl filled with white flour and a whisk placed next to it. The top right corner displays a silver mixing bowl containing three ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a chunk of soft butter. The bottom left corner shows the same silver mixing bowl with partially mixed dough and some flour on top. The bottom right corner features a baking tray lined with parchment paper, holding 15 small, round dough balls neatly arranged in rows. A white cloth with red stripes is placed beside the bowls and tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Heart Jam Cookies Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully selected to create that perfect texture and flavor harmony. Each item plays a critical role—flour and cornstarch lend tenderness, butter and sugars yield buttery richness and subtle sweetness, and the combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a warm, inviting aroma that’s simply irresistible.

All purpose flour (2 1/4 cups / 280 g): Provides the sturdy yet tender base for these cookies, ensuring the right structure without toughness.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Keeps the cookies soft and delicate by reducing gluten formation.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, so be sure it’s nicely softened.
Light brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Brings a hint of caramel flavor and moisture.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a lovely golden exterior.
Egg yolk (1 large): Enriches the dough and binds ingredients beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with a classic, comforting fragrance.
Almond extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Delivers a subtle nutty undertone that pairs wonderfully with raspberry.
Raspberry jam (1/2 cup): The star filling that brings a bright, fruity zing and stunning color to the cookies.

How to Make Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl. Setting this mixture aside will make it easier to incorporate into your wet ingredients later without overworking the dough—key for tender cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the softened butter along with both the brown and granulated sugars. Begin at medium speed and increase to medium-high, mixing for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, giving your cookies an irresistible crumbly texture.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Extracts

Scrape down the bowl, then mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract on medium-low speed until everything is fully combined and the dough is aromatic.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low, then gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Be gentle as you mix to prevent tough cookies. Scrape down the bowl as needed to achieve a uniform dough that’s soft but holds its shape well.

Step 5: Shape Cookies and Create Heart Indents

Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion out dough balls and roll them smoothly between your palms. Arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Gently press a heart shape into the top of each dough ball with your pinky finger—this charming touch creates the perfect nook for the jam. Chill the trays in the freezer for 30 minutes or the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up the dough before baking.

Step 6: Fill the Hearts and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm the raspberry jam slightly in a microwave-safe bowl for 10 to 15 seconds until soft enough to spoon easily. Carefully fill each heart indent with about half a teaspoon of jam. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden. Let them cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

A close-up of several round thumbprint cookies arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a pale golden dough base forming one thick round layer, with a glossy, deep red jam filling in the center, shaped like a heart or rounded indentation. In the foreground, a woman's hand with red nail polish is holding one cookie, highlighting the soft texture of the dough and the shiny, slightly textured jam. Most cookies are overlapping slightly, showing a slight crumbly texture on the dough edges, all lit with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a delicate dusting of powdered sugar over cooled cookies for a snowy, elegant look. For a fresh twist, add a small mint leaf beside each cookie or a few edible flower petals to make the presentation feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing their comforting qualities. For a dessert platter, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the fruity jam center and add delightful temperature contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a heart-themed gift box by stacking these cookies with parchment paper between layers. Tie it with a red satin ribbon for an eye-catching, homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange cookies on a platter in a heart shape for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Heart Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to one week, perfect if you want to savor them over several days without losing their charm.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a sealed container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to two weeks and can be thawed at room temperature, retaining their delightful texture and flavor almost as if freshly baked.

Reheating

To bring that just-baked warmth back to your cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent the texture from becoming overly soft or chewy; the oven gently revives their crisp edges and soft centers.

FAQs

Can I use different types of jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic and vibrant, strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry jams make fantastic alternatives. Just choose a jam with a smooth texture that doesn’t have large chunks for the best results.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

No worries at all. You can simply leave out the almond extract, and the vanilla will shine through beautifully on its own. The cookies will have a slightly simpler flavor but remain deliciously satisfying.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and prevents the jam from spreading too much. It also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

With some tweaks, you can! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer instead of the egg yolk. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste great.

How long will cookies stay fresh if stored properly?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. Refrigeration can extend their life up to two weeks but may slightly alter their texture.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely hope you’ll give this Heart Jam Cookies Recipe a try—it’s one of those baked goods that’s irresistibly charming, wonderfully simple, and perfect for sharing love through flavor. From the buttery crumb to the jewel-like jam center, every bite feels like a celebration. Baking these cookies is a sure way to create warm memories and satisfy sweet cravings alike!