Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that are just perfect for sharing love on Valentine’s Day. These cookies have a tender, buttery base with a burst of fruity jam right in the center, making each bite a delightful mix of crumbly and gooey textures. The cute heart shape adds an extra touch of charm that makes these cookies feel special and fun.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple to bake but always impress everyone who tries them. One of my favorite things is choosing different jams—strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot—each brings its own unique, bright flavor to the cookie. It feels like a little surprise inside every cookie, which makes them extra exciting to eat or share.
These cookies are great for gifting or just enjoying with a warm cup of tea or milk. I usually bake a batch with the kids, and it’s such a sweet little tradition to pack them up in pretty boxes and hand them out to friends and family. They’re not just tasty, but also full of happy memories and holiday spirit.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. Softened butter blends easily, creating tender cookies. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or coconut oil for a slight twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps the cookies crisp on the edges but stay soft inside. You can swap half for brown sugar for a deeper flavor and a chewier texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps the cookie structure just right. For gluten-free needs, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour but check the texture as it may be slightly different.
Jam: Strawberry or raspberry jam work perfectly for their bright color and flavor. Unsweetened preserves or fruit spread are good alternatives for less sweetness or low sugar options.
How Do You Get the Jam into the Perfect Heart Shape Without Spilling?
Creating that neat heart-shaped well for the jam is key to these cookies looking lovely and holding the filling well. Here’s how I do it:
- After cutting the large hearts, choose a smaller heart cutter that’s about half the size. Press it gently into the center of each cookie—don’t cut all the way through!
- This creates a shallow well perfect for holding jam without it spilling over the edges during baking.
- Fill the well carefully with a small spoon or toothpick, about 1/2 teaspoon of jam—too much can cause overflow.
- If jam bubbles over, try catching spills quickly with a damp finger before baking; it helps keep clean edges.
- Baking at 350°F keeps cookies firm enough to hold their shape as the jam softens but doesn’t run wild.
Taking these small steps means your jam stays right where it belongs—a shiny, sweet heart within a buttery cookie. It’s easier than it looks once you get the hang of it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – to combine ingredients easily without mess.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Rolling pin – helps roll dough evenly to the right thickness for uniform cookies.
- Large heart-shaped cookie cutter – for cutting the main cookie shape perfectly.
- Smaller heart-shaped cutter – creates the well for the jam in each cookie.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and helps bake cookies evenly.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool fully without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try apricot or peach jam for a sweeter, mellow fruit flavor that pairs well with buttery cookies.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the cookie dough for a warm, cozy twist perfect for winter.
- Mix finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the dough for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
- Use lemon curd instead of jam for a bright, tangy burst that feels fresh and lively.
Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 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 or raspberry jam (or your favorite flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes baking time. Add a little extra time for cooling—about 10-15 minutes. Overall, you’ll have your delicious heart jam cookies ready in less than 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture feels light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
3. Shape and Fill 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 into shapes and place the hearts on your prepared baking sheet.
Next, press a smaller heart-shaped cutter gently into the center of each cookie to make a shallow well. Don’t cut all the way through! Fill this well carefully with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooled, these tender, buttery heart jam cookies with their shiny jam centers are ready to share or gift. They’re perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day or any time you want to spread a little love!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for easy creaming and smooth dough. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then leave it out for about 30 minutes before starting.
Can I Substitute Jam with Another Filling?
Absolutely! You can use lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or even Nutella as a delicious alternative. Just make sure the filling isn’t too runny to avoid spreading during baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your heart jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out and baking.
