Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are a sweet little treat that combines buttery, soft cookie dough with a burst of fruity jam right in the center. These cookies are shaped like hearts, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to show someone a bit of love with a homemade gift. The jam inside stays gooey and delicious, offering a perfect contrast to the tender cookie around it.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple enough to bake with kids, and the best part is choosing your favorite jam flavor—strawberry, raspberry, or even something a little different like apricot. I usually sneak an extra one or two for myself before anyone else gets a chance because the combination of jam and cookie dough hits just right. Plus, they look so cute if you dust them with a little powdered sugar right before serving.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these cookies is with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make a sweet surprise tucked into a lunchbox or given as a homemade gift tied up with a ribbon. Whenever I bake Heart Jam Valentine Cookies, it feels like spreading a little happiness in every bite, and that makes the baking and sharing all the more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the dough. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or coconut oil, though coconut may change the flavor slightly.
Jam: Strawberry and raspberry work great for the red color and sweetness. You can substitute with any fruit jam you like—apricot, blueberry, or even marmalade. Just pick something not too runny to avoid spreading during baking.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour gives structure, while baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly. For gluten-free, use a blend designed for baking with xanthan gum added for texture.
How Do You Create the Perfect Jam-Filled Heart Indentations?
The key to these cookies is making a clean jam well without cutting through. Here’s how to do it:
- Roll dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness—too thin and cookies may break, too thick and they take longer to bake.
- Use a large heart cutter for the cookie shape.
- Gently press a smaller heart cutter into the center of each cookie, pressing just enough to create a shallow well but not cutting through. You can test by lifting the cutter gently to check.
- Fill the well carefully with a small spoonful of jam to avoid overflow during baking.
- Keep an eye while baking to make sure jam doesn’t bubble over. If it does, chilling the dough slightly before baking can help.
These steps ensure the jam stays neatly inside the heart shape for a pretty and delicious cookie every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your butter, sugar, and flour easily.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – helps cream the butter and sugar smoothly.
- Rolling pin – to roll the dough evenly to the perfect thickness.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – one large for the cookie shape and a smaller one to make the jam well.
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat, for even baking and easy cleanup with parchment paper.
- Small spoon or piping bag – to fill the jam neatly into each cookie’s center.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try apricot or orange marmalade jam for a citrus twist that adds brightness.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract in the dough for extra flavor depth.
- Mix finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into the dough for a little crunch.
- Use chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of jam for a rich, creamy center.
Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 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
For the Filling & Topping:
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite red fruit jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 12-15 minutes of baking time. Allow additional cooling time of around 10 minutes before serving. So, in total, set aside about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready and Mix the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients and Combine:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
3. Shape the Cookies and Add the Jam:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Then, take a smaller heart cutter and gently press it into the center of each cookie to make a shallow well—the key is to press gently so you don’t cut all the way through. Carefully spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each well.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just turn golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar to make them extra festive and pretty before serving.
Enjoy your lovely Heart Jam Valentine Cookies with a warm drink, or share them as a sweet gesture with loved ones!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for easier creaming and better texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature until soft but not melted.
How Can I Store Leftover Heart Jam Valentine Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Substitute the Jam With Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use any jam or fruit preserves you like, just make sure it’s not too runny. Alternatively, try chocolate spread or nut butter for a different twist on the filling.
What If I Don’t Have Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters?
No worries! You can use any shape cookie cutters you have on hand or shape the dough into small rounds and make an indentation with the back of a spoon for the jam filling.
