Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are sweet, tender treats filled with a burst of fruity jam right in the center. These cookies have a soft, buttery texture with a little surprise of your favorite jam flavor that makes every bite feel special. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or just enjoying as a cozy snack.
I love making these cookies because they bring a little happiness to any day, not just Valentine’s Day. The jam in the middle keeps the cookies moist and adds a lovely touch of sweetness that makes me smile every time. Plus, it’s fun to use different jams and create your own flavor combos.
My favorite way to serve these cookies is with a warm cup of tea or cocoa, especially on chilly afternoons. They’re simple but feel so thoughtful, making them great for gift-giving or just treating yourself. Baking them always puts me in a cheerful mood, and I hope they do the same for you!
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level in the cookies. If you’re out of butter, you can try substituting with an equal amount of coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but it may change the texture a bit.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these cookies their tender, sturdy texture. For a gluten-free alternative, a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend usually works well.
Jam: Strawberry or raspberry jam is great for the red heart theme, but feel free to use any jam you like! Apricot or cherry jam also works nicely and adds different flavors.
Almond extract: This is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract alone is perfectly fine.
How Do You Make the Perfect Jam-Filled Heart Cookies Without the Jam Spilling?
The key to preventing jam from spilling during baking is to bake the whole heart cookies separately from the heart frames. Here’s how I do it:
- Bake the solid heart cookies first until lightly golden at the edges—this keeps them sturdy.
- Bake the heart frames separately and a bit shorter so they don’t break easily.
- Once completely cooled, spread a small spoonful of jam on the whole hearts, keeping it away from the edges.
- Gently press the heart frame on top to create a window filled with jam. This layering keeps the jam nicely enclosed.
- Letting the cookies rest helps the jam set and reduces mess when eating.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining dough ingredients easily without a mess.
- Electric mixer – helps you cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy fast.
- Rolling pin – rolls dough evenly to the right thickness for perfect cookies.
- Large and small heart-shaped cookie cutters – for cutting out the cookie shapes and jam windows.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Wire cooling racks – cool the cookies evenly so the jam sets nicely.
- Spoon or small spatula – spreads jam neatly on the cookies without spilling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try apricot or cherry jam for a sweet twist; they add different fruity flavors that still look great.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy note perfect for winter.
- Use lemon or orange zest in the dough for a fresh, bright flavor that pairs well with berry jams.
- For a nutty crunch, gently press chopped pistachios or almonds on top of the jam before it sets.
Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite red fruit jam)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 10-12 minutes for baking each batch of cookies. You’ll also need around 20-30 minutes for the cookies to cool and the jam to set before serving. Overall, plan for about 45-60 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing well. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
2. Cut the Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out whole hearts and place them on the baking sheet. With a smaller heart cutter, cut out the centers of half the large hearts to create frames. Place these heart frames on the baking sheet too.
3. Bake and Assemble:
Bake the whole hearts for 10-12 minutes, until their edges begin to turn golden. Bake the heart frames for 8-10 minutes, watching closely as they bake faster. Once baked, let all cookies cool completely on wire racks. Spread about 1 teaspoon of jam atop each whole heart cookie, then gently press a heart frame cookie over it so the jam fills the heart window. Let the assembled cookies rest for a little while so the jam can set before enjoying.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting out your cookies.
What’s a Good Jam Substitute If I Don’t Have Strawberry or Raspberry?
Any fruit jam works well—apricot, cherry, or even blueberry jam will add great flavor and color. Just choose a thicker jam to avoid it running during assembly.
How Should I Store Leftover Heart Jam Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the jam from getting sticky, separate layers with parchment paper.
Can I Make These Cookies Without Almond Extract?
Absolutely! Almond extract adds a lovely depth but vanilla extract alone works perfectly fine. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler flavor.
