Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate love and friendship. These cookies are soft and buttery with a bright, fruity jam center that oozes out just a little with every bite. They’re shaped like hearts, making them extra special for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to show someone you care.
I love making these cookies because they’re fun to bake and even more fun to share. The best part for me is choosing different jam flavors—strawberry, raspberry, or apricot all work beautifully and give each batch a unique twist. I usually double the recipe because they disappear quickly when friends come over!
These cookies are great for gifting, too. I like to pack them in pretty boxes or tie them up with a little ribbon to make a simple but heartfelt present. If you’re looking for a sweet way to say “I’m thinking of you,” these Heart Jam Valentine Cookies really hit the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie. If you only have salted butter, reduce added salt slightly. For a dairy-free version, try vegan butter sticks.
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps the cookie texture soft but sturdy. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Jam: Strawberry jam gives a classic sweet and tart flavor. Raspberry or apricot jam are great substitutes and add a different fruity twist. Choose thicker jams so they won’t run too much while baking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is key for sweetness and slightly crisp edges. You can swap half with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
How Do I Keep the Jam from Spilling Over During Baking?
Spilling jam can make the cookies messy and stick to the pan. To avoid this:
- Don’t overfill—use about 1/2 teaspoon of jam per cookie.
- Use thicker jams rather than watery ones.
- Press the top cookie gently but firmly on the bottom cookie around the edges to seal the jam inside.
- Chilling the dough before cutting and assembling can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
- Bake on parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking if any jam does bubble out.
Following these tips will keep your jam centers neat and the cookies looking as nice as they taste!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like using a couple so you can separate dry and wet ingredients easily.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugar fast and smooth.
- Rolling pin – helps roll the dough evenly to the right thickness.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – the large one cuts the base, the smaller creates the jam window on top.
- Baking sheets – sturdy, flat pans help the cookies bake evenly without bending or spilling jam.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Spoon or small cookie scoop – perfect for measuring jam onto each cookie without making a mess.
- Wire cooling rack – lets the cookies cool without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use raspberry or apricot jam instead of strawberry for a different fruity taste that still shines through the cookie.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough for a warm, cozy twist I enjoy in winter.
- Top cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking for extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
- Mix chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for a little crunch and nutty flavor variation.
Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or raspberry/apricot jam)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes for cooling. If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before cutting and assembling, which adds a bit more time. Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Your dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
5. Prepare to Bake:
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
6. Roll and Cut Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a larger heart-shaped cutter to cut out the bottom cookies. Then use a smaller heart cutter to cut centers out of the top cookies, making little windows for the jam.
7. Assemble Cookies:
Place the solid bottom hearts on your prepared baking sheets. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam onto the center of each bottom cookie—be careful not to use too much. Gently place the heart-windowed top cookies over the jam ones, pressing around the edges to seal them together.
8. Bake:
Bake your assembled cookies in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a soft golden color.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy the sweet, buttery cookies with their delicious jammy centers!
Can I Use Frozen Jam for These Cookies?
Yes, you can use frozen jam, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using. This helps prevent the jam from spreading too much while baking.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and cutting. Just bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before working with it.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the jam from drying out, you can add a piece of parchment paper between layers.
What Are Good Jam Alternatives for These Cookies?
Besides strawberry, raspberry and apricot jams are great options. For a fun twist, try cherry or blueberry jam—but choose thicker jams to prevent spreading during baking.