These classic heart jam cookies are a sweet way to show some love, with a buttery cookie that melts in your mouth and a fruity jam center that adds just the right touch of sweetness. They’re not just for Valentine’s Day and special occasions— whip up a batch of these pretty cookies whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

They’re also easy to make (no need to chill the dough, yay!), and they’re great for getting the kids involved or for adding a touch of charm to tea parties, holidays, or any special get-together.

Classic Heart Jam Cookies

A tender, buttery cookie crust pairs beautifully with the sweetness of your favorite jam, all in a lovely heart shape that’s perfect for any occasion

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Serving Size cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

Assembly

½ cup jam of your choice (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)
powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Make the cookie dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, for about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing at low speed until dough forms. The dough may be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed; if it doesn't, add a small sprinkle of water.
Roll out and cut. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch on a lightly floured surface. Then, use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Reroll the scraps to make more cookies as needed. Place half of the cookies on your prepared baking sheets. Using a smaller heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the centers of the remaining cookies to create a heart-shaped "window."
Bake. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble. Spoon a small amount of jam onto the base of each whole heart cookie, spreading it evenly but avoiding the edges to prevent overflow. Dust the top cookies (the ones with the "windows") with powdered sugar. Gently place the dusted top cookies over the jam-covered ones, aligning the edges carefully.
Serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Notes

Don’t forget to keep your butter, egg, and jam at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.

For crisp edges and less spreading, refrigerate the cut-out cookies for 10 minutes before baking.

Experiment with various jams and preserves to discover your preferred flavor combination. Keep in mind that some jams may be sweeter or more tart, so pick one that suits your taste.

Make sure to choose a jam that isn’t too runny, as it might make your cookies soggy. If your jam is runny, you can simmer it for a few minutes to thicken before using it as a filling.

Even though it may be tempting to eat these cookies right out of the oven, they actually taste even better once the flavors have melded together.

You can also try these different versions:

Nutty Heart Jam Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts into the dough.

Spiced Heart Jam Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

More Tips:

If your dough feels too soft or sticky, put it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

When rolling out the dough, use just enough flour to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make the cookies tough instead of tender. Use spacers or rolling pin rings while rolling out the dough to keep a consistent thickness for even baking.

Mix the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy for the cookie’s texture.

When dusting the top heart cookies with powdered sugar, use a fine-mesh sieve or sifter for a delicate, even coating. This adds sweetness and a touch of elegance to your cookies.

Let the baked cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling them with jam. This helps the jam set and prevents it from oozing out.

cut out heart cookies filled with strawberry jam.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with hot tea or coffee, fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or sparkling lemonade.

Key Ingredients and Tools

For these cookies, you’ll need a few important tools and ingredients to make sure they turn out great.

Unsalted butter: This allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies for the right flavor.
Heart-shaped cookie cutters: These are needed to give the cookies their unique look and can be found in most baking aisles or online.
Parchment paper: It prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleaning up easier.
Stand mixer with paddle attachment: While you can mix by hand, a stand mixer makes the job much faster and makes sure the ingredients are well combined.
Good-quality jam: Use a thick jam to avoid making the cookies soggy. If the jam is too runny, you can simmer it to thicken it up.

Having these items will make the process easier and help you get the best results.

You can try these substitutions for this recipe:

Butter: Use margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Granulated sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower-sugar version.
All-purpose flour: Consider using a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
Egg: Substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan alternative.

These substitutions will alter the texture and flavor of the cookies, so feel free to experiment and find the best option for you.

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Storage Instructions

To store these cookies, place them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze the cookies, you can do so. After they are fully assembled and cooled, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Freezing them won’t affect the flavor, but the texture might be slightly softer after thawing.

These Classic Heart Jam Cookies are a delightful way to share a little love with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or baking as a gift, they’re sure to bring a smile. With simple ingredients and a bit of care, you’ll create a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Happy baking!

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