Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that bring a pop of bright, fruity jam right to the center of a soft, buttery cookie. They have a classic heart shape that’s perfect for sharing a bit of love on Valentine’s Day or any special moment. The combination of soft cookie dough with the sticky, colorful jam makes each bite a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple to whip up and so fun to decorate. You can use any kind of jam you like—strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot—and the colors always look cheerful. I find that pressing the jam into the center just before baking helps keep it from spreading too much, giving you that perfect little heart filled with gooey sweetness.
These cookies are great for giving as gifts or enjoying with a cup of tea while chatting with friends. I often make a batch to share at parties because they’re small, easy to handle, and everyone loves the combination of soft dough and sweet jam. Plus, they really brighten up the cookie plate with their colorful centers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives these cookies a tender, rich crumb. If you want a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter sticks that perform like the real thing.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for a soft but sturdy dough. For a gluten-free option, use a trusted gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Jam: Strawberry or raspberry jam adds a bright color and sweet filling. You can swap this with any fruit jam you like, such as apricot or blueberry. Just pick something not too runny to avoid spreading too much.
Egg & Vanilla: The egg helps bind the dough, and vanilla adds warm flavor. If you’re avoiding eggs, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) can work as a substitute.
How Do You Make the Perfect Heart Indentation for Jam Pockets?
Creating a neat heart-shaped jam pocket is key. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Slice the dough first into even rounds about 1/4 inch thick for uniform baking.
- Use a small heart cookie cutter to gently press an indentation without cutting through the dough. Press just enough to create a well for the jam.
- If you don’t have a heart cutter small enough, use the edge of a small spoon or your fingertip to form a heart shape carefully.
- Fill each indentation with jam right before baking to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden but the jam looks glossy and set—don’t overbake or the jam can dry out.
Taking your time with the indentation will make the cookies look extra cute and hold the jam inside nicely. I find chilling the dough log before slicing also helps keep shapes clean and avoids spreading in the oven.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a few sizes to mix the dough and dry ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy for a smooth dough.
- Rolling pin – helps evenly flatten the dough log before slicing into rounds.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (small) – perfect for creating the jam indentation in each cookie.
- Baking sheet – for placing your cookies and baking them evenly.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and speeds cleanup.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your cookies cool completely without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use apricot or blueberry jam instead of raspberry for a fun change in color and flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle flavor twist you’ll love.
- Try dipping the baked cookies partially in melted white or dark chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Mix finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into the dough for a bit of crunch.
How to Make Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or any preferred red fruit jam)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 1 hour to chill the dough, and 12-15 minutes for baking. In total, budget around 1 hour and 30 minutes including cooling time before you can enjoy your sweet treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside—these will make your cookies nice and fluffy.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in one large egg and the vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredient mix to your wet ingredients, mixing at a low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Chill the Dough:
Roll your dough into a log shape about 2 inches wide. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Take the dough out of the fridge and slice it into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to gently press a heart shape into the center of each slice — don’t cut all the way through, just press to make a little well for the jam.
8. Add the Jam:
Place the shaped rounds on your baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each. Fill each heart indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jam.
9. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, until they are lightly golden on the edges but still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Now, your Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are ready to be shared and enjoyed! They’re tender, buttery, and bursting with sweet jam center — perfect for any special moment.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge before slicing and shaping.
What Kind of Jam Works Best?
Thicker jams like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work best because they hold their shape during baking. Avoid very runny jams to prevent spreading.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the cookies, then refrigerate the unbaked cookies for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors develop and makes busy day baking easier.
