Name: Heart Jam Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended); 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup red jam (strawberry, cherry, or red raspberry jam or preserves, or a sugar-free jam)

Jump to Recipe

Heart Jam Cookies, also known as Thumbprint Hearts, are a charming and delightful treat that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply to enjoy with loved ones. These tender, buttery cookies are filled with a sweet jam in the shape of a heart, offering a touch of elegance and sweetness in every bite. The buttery base pairs perfectly with the fruity jam, creating a flavor combination that is both simple and satisfying.

Baking Heart Jam Cookies is an enjoyable process that’s both fun and rewarding. The cookies themselves have a melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the combination of butter and flour, while the jam in the center adds a vibrant pop of flavor. These cookies can be customized with different types of jam, allowing you to pick your favorite or even make them with seasonal fruit preserves. Whether you’re baking for a special holiday or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies will surely delight everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heart Jam Cookies are a fantastic way to combine the beauty of baked goods with the joy of giving. These cookies are both visually appealing and incredibly delicious, making them the perfect gift for friends, family, or that special someone. The almond extract adds a hint of warmth, which enhances the overall flavor, while the sweet jam filling in the center provides a burst of fruity goodness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is simple to follow and produces delightful results every time.

The heart-shaped thumbprint in the center adds a fun, festive touch that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you bake them for Valentine’s Day or just because, these cookies are sure to brighten up any day.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
All-purpose flour
Salt
Red jam (such as strawberry, cherry, or red raspberry, or a sugar-free version)

Variations

Different Jam Flavors: While red jams like strawberry or raspberry are traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like apricot, blueberry, or even orange marmalade for a unique twist.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative (such as coconut oil or vegan butter) and use a flax egg or other egg substitutes to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Nutty Twist: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios) around the jam center after baking to give the cookies a crunchy contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie, creating a heart shape or a simple circular thumbprint.

Step 4: Add the Jam Filling

Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen red jam. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam can spill over during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The jam will set as the cookies cool. Once cooled, serve and enjoy these heart-shaped, jam-filled delights!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make it easier to shape the cookies and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
Prevent Jam Overflow: Don’t overfill the cookie indentations with jam. A small dollop of jam is enough, as it can spread and overflow while baking.
Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure the dough balls are uniform in size, which will help the cookies bake evenly.
Filling the Thumbprint: If you want a more distinct heart shape, press the thumbprint gently to form a heart, or use a small cookie cutter to shape the indentations before filling them with jam.

How to Serve

These Heart Jam Cookies are perfect for serving at any special occasion, such as Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or a wedding shower. They make a beautiful addition to a dessert table or as a sweet gift in a cookie tin or decorative box. They’re also wonderful to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee as an afternoon treat.

For a festive touch, consider arranging the cookies in the shape of a heart on a plate or platter for a visually appealing presentation. Whether for a party or a casual gathering, these cookies will impress guests with both their flavor and appearance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled Heart Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If the weather is warm, consider refrigerating them to keep the jam fresh and prevent any moisture buildup in the cookies.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also freeze the cookie dough and bake it later. Roll the dough into balls, freeze until firm, and then store the dough in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes. The cookies will become slightly crisp again, and the jam will soften. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use any jam for the filling?

Yes, you can use any type of jam or preserve you like. Popular choices include strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or even apricot. You can also use a sugar-free jam if you prefer.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best results.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

4. Can I use a different shape for the indentation?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use a small cookie cutter or the back of a spoon to create different shapes for the indentation, such as circles or stars. However, the traditional thumbprint shape works best for even jam placement.

5. How can I prevent the jam from spreading too much?

Be sure not to overfill the jam in each indentation, as it can spread during baking. A small teaspoon of jam is all you need.

6. Can I make these cookies without the almond extract?

Yes, the almond extract is optional, but it adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the jam filling. If you prefer, you can leave it out or substitute it with another extract, like lemon or orange.

7. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. If you freeze the dough, thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling into balls.

8. Can I use a different method to fill the cookies?

You can use a small spoon or a piping bag to add the jam if you prefer a more precise method of filling the cookies.

9. Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

10. How can I make these cookies look more festive?

Decorate the cookies with colorful sprinkles around the jam, drizzle with icing, or top with edible glitter for an extra special touch.

Conclusion

Heart Jam Cookies (Thumbprint Hearts) are the perfect blend of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and sweet, fruity jam. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them ideal for gifting or serving at any special occasion. With their simple yet elegant appearance and delightful flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a holiday or just because, these cookies will surely bring a smile to everyone who enjoys them.