Heart-shaped jam cookies bring a delightful twist to traditional treats, making them perfect for any occasion. These cookies not only celebrate love with their charming shape but also delight the taste buds with a burst of fruity flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a holiday, or just for fun, these little gems can bring joy to anyone who tries them.
Why Make This Heart Shaped Jam Cookies
These heart-shaped jam cookies aren’t just visually appealing; they are absolutely delicious! Combining buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a sweet, fruity filling creates a delightful contrast that makes each bite irresistible. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any day you want to show someone you care. Plus, they look fantastic on a dessert table, making them a wonderful addition to gatherings and celebrations. The best part? They’re easy to make, even for those new to baking.
How to Make Heart Shaped Jam Cookies
Making heart-shaped jam cookies is a fun and straightforward process. Here, we will guide you through each step with helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite flavor)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and salt together. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place half of the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
- For the remaining cookies, cut out a smaller heart shape in the center of each one to create a window for the jam.
- Spread a teaspoon of your chosen jam onto each whole cookie.
- Place the cut-out cookies on top of the jam-covered ones to create a sandwich.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Nutritional Information
Each heart-shaped jam cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies) contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 1g
How to Serve Heart Shaped Jam Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can also be used as a delightful treat for various occasions. Serve them at birthday parties, bridal showers, or simply as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a lovely gift when packaged in a decorative box or bag, especially for loved ones on Valentine’s Day.
How to Store Heart Shaped Jam Cookies
To keep your heart-shaped jam cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re making them in advance, you can freeze the unbaked, cut-out cookies. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Heart Shaped Jam Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Use softened butter to ensure a creamy texture when mixing. If you’ve forgotten to take it out of the fridge, you can soften it in the microwave for a few seconds, but be cautious not to melt it.
- Jam Selection: Feel free to use homemade or store-bought jam. Try out different flavors for seasonal variations, such as pumpkin spice for fall or blueberry for summer.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, resulting in beautiful, heart-shaped cookies.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the dough to make chocolate cookies. Pair with raspberry jam for a decadent treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Filling Ideas: Use Nutella, lemon curd, or apple butter instead of jam for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other shapes besides hearts?
Absolutely! You can use any cookie cutter shape. Just remember to cut a smaller shape in the center for the jam to be visible.What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still taste great.Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
Conclusion
Heart-shaped jam cookies are not only a wonderful treat for the eyes but also a delightful combination of taste and texture. They offer a sweet way to celebrate love and good company. Try making them for your next gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of tea. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media or comment below with your variations and tips! Happy baking!
Heart-Shaped Jam Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and salt together. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes; place half of the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
- For the remaining cookies, cut out a smaller heart shape in the center of each one to create a window for the jam.
- Spread a teaspoon of your chosen jam onto each whole cookie.
- Place the cut-out cookies on top of the jam-covered ones to create a sandwich.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired.