Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are a sweet little treat that’s perfect for sharing on special days like Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to brighten someone’s day. They’re buttery, tender cookies with a delightful dollop of fruity jam right in the center, creating a lovely, colorful heart shape that just melts in your mouth.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple but feel extra special. There’s something really fun about pressing the jam into the dough, watching those little hearts form, and getting that burst of jam when you bite into them. I usually pick strawberry or raspberry jam for that classic sweet-tart flavor, but you can use whatever jam you like best.
These cookies are great for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers. I often pack them up in little boxes or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—it feels so nice to hand out a treat made with love. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in milk or enjoying with a cup of tea. They bring a little warmth and happiness, one heart at a time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter is the base for these cookies, giving them a rich, tender crumb. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level. If needed, you can substitute with margarine, but the flavor might be less rich.
Jam: Strawberry jam is classic here for its bright color and sweet-tart flavor, but raspberry or cherry jam work wonderfully too. If you prefer less sugar, try a no-sugar-added jam or even fruit preserves.
Flour: All-purpose flour makes soft but sturdy cookies. For a slightly more tender texture, you can swap half the flour with cake flour.
Extracts: Vanilla extract adds warmth and sweetness, while almond extract is optional but brings a lovely nutty hint. If you don’t have almond extract, just lean on the vanilla—it’s enough on its own.
How Do You Keep the Jam from Spilling or Burning?
One tricky part of these cookies is making sure the jam stays right in the cookie’s center and doesn’t bubble over or burn while baking.
- Cut the small heart shape shallow enough so the jam sits snugly but doesn’t leak through the bottom.
- Don’t overfill the jam — about 1 teaspoon per cookie is perfect to avoid spills.
- Use a thicker jam or fruit preserve to reduce running. Thin jams may spread too much.
- Bake at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) so the cookies set before the jam bubbles too much.
These tips help ensure you get clean, pretty heart shapes with delicious jam centers every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – a couple of sizes helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate for easy mixing.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugar smooth and quick.
- Rolling pin – essential for rolling the dough evenly to the right thickness.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – the larger for cutting cookies, the smaller to create the jam-filled indentation.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
- Spoon or small scoop – perfect for placing just the right amount of jam in each cookie.
- Wire rack – for cooling cookies so they don’t get soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use raspberry or cherry jam instead of strawberry for a different yet equally fruity heart center.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy touch.
- Mix in some finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the dough for a little crunch.
- Swap almond extract for orange or lemon zest to brighten up the cookie’s flavor.
How to Make Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or any red fruit jam of your choice)
Time Needed to Bake:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-14 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you should set aside about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set this mixture aside.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mix is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it, mixing until everything is well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies and Add Jam:
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Then, with a smaller heart cutter, gently press into the center of each cookie to create a shallow indentation—be careful not to cut through. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each indentation, filling the center of the cookies.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to serve and enjoy — perfect for sharing a little love!
Can I Use Frozen Jam for These Cookies?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the jam is fully thawed and at room temperature before using. This helps it spread smoothly and bake evenly in the cookie centers.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out to make it easier to handle.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters?
No worries! You can use any small round or square cutter and carefully create an indentation with a teaspoon or the back of a small spoon to hold the jam. The shape might be different, but they’ll still be delicious!
