Description
These Heart Jam Cookies, also known as Thumbprint Hearts, are a delicious and festive treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion! The buttery, soft cookie base is filled with your choice of red jam, creating a sweet, tangy center. The heart-shaped thumbprint adds a lovely touch, making these cookies both tasty and beautiful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to press down gently in the center of each cookie to create an indentation.
- Add the Jam:
- Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of your chosen red jam, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The jam should be bubbly and set.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy these sweet and festive Heart Jam Cookies!
Notes
- You can use any red fruit jam or preserve that you like, such as strawberry, raspberry, or cherry.
- For a different flavor, feel free to experiment with different extracts or even add a little citrus zest to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American