Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are little sweet treats that bring a burst of fruity goodness wrapped in soft, tender cookie dough. These charming cookies usually have a lovely heart shape and a dollop of vibrant jam right in the center, giving them a perfect balance of buttery and jammy flavors. They’re the kind of cookies that instantly make any day feel a bit sweeter and more special.
I love making these cookies for Valentine’s Day or any time I want to share some love with friends and family. What I really enjoy is choosing different types of jam—like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot—to mix things up. Plus, if you chill the dough before baking, the texture comes out just right, soft but not too chewy, with a little sugar sparkle on top. It feels like giving a tiny handmade gift with every bite.
These cookies are great when served with a cup of tea or hot cocoa, making them a cozy companion for chilly afternoons. I find that they’re a hit at gatherings because everyone loves taking a little piece of jam-filled joy home with them. Baking and sharing Heart Jam Valentine Cookies always brings a smile to my face, and I bet they’ll do the same for you and your loved ones too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives these cookies a rich, creamy base. If you want a lighter taste, you can try substituting with margarine, but butter has the best flavor and texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds crunch and sweetness. For a softer cookie, swap half with brown sugar for a subtle caramel flavor and more chewiness.
Egg: Eggs help bind the dough and add moisture. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for good texture.
Jam: Strawberry jam is classic and festive, but raspberry, cherry, or apricot jams also work beautifully and offer different flavors and colors.
How to Keep the Jam From Spreading During Baking?
The jam in the center can run if it’s too loose or overfilled. Here are some tips to keep it pretty and neat:
- Use thicker jam or preserves, which hold their shape better.
- Don’t overfill the indentation—about 1/2 teaspoon or less is enough.
- Chill the dough well before slicing and shaping; this stops the dough from spreading too fast.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) and watch the cookies carefully; take them out as soon as edges turn golden.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface where your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a couple for preparing dough and mixing dry ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Rolling pin – helps shape the dough evenly for consistent cookie sizes.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – perfect for making the jam indentation in each cookie.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use raspberry or cherry jam instead of strawberry for a slightly tangier taste.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty, warm flavor that pairs well with jam.
- Mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to add crunch to the dough.
- Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top after baking for extra sweetness and decor.
Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or your favorite red fruit jam)
- Optional: granulated sugar for rolling or sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 1 hour to chill the dough, and 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll spend just about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish including cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mix looks light and fluffy. Then add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stirring gently until you get a soft dough.
3. Chill and Slice the Dough:
Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches wide. Wrap this log tightly in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape when baking. After chilling, slice the dough into ¼-inch thick rounds.
4. Shape the Cookies and Add Jam:
Gently press a small heart-shaped cutter or the back end of a small piping tip into the center of each cookie round, making an indentation but not cutting all the way through. Place these cookies on your lined baking sheet. Then, carefully spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each heart-shaped indentation. For some sparkle, sprinkle a little sugar around the edges if you like.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until their edges turn a soft golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes so they firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your Heart Jam Valentine Cookies as a delicious treat to share or savor with a cup of tea or hot cocoa!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes! You can wrap the dough log tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and adding jam.
What If I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Cutter?
No worries! You can use the back of a small spoon or piping tip to press a heart-shaped indentation. Get creative or use a small cookie cutter of any shape you like for a fun twist.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them softer, place a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist.
Can I Substitute the Jam?
Definitely! Raspberry, cherry, or apricot jams all work well and add different color and flavor options. Just choose a thicker jam to prevent spreading during baking.
