Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that are as charming as they are delicious. These cookies have a tender, buttery base with a little heart-shaped cutout that reveals a bright, fruity jam filling right in the middle. The jam adds just the right amount of sweetness and a pop of color that makes every bite feel special.
I love making these cookies because they’re perfect for sharing with friends or surprising someone you care about. The jam filling is fun to choose too—whether it’s raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot, it adds its own twist to the classic cookie. I find that letting the cookies cool just enough before dusting them with powdered sugar helps keep the jam looking vibrant and makes the cookie feel extra cozy.
These cookies always bring back memories of making Valentine’s Day treats in the kitchen as a kid, with sprinkles and flour everywhere. I like to serve them with a warm cup of tea or a glass of milk for a simple but lovely snack. If you’re looking for a sweet way to show someone you care, these Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are a perfect, heartfelt choice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This is the base for your cookie’s rich, tender texture. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan butter sticks.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps cookies spread nicely and get that slight crunch. For a softer texture, you could swap half the sugar for brown sugar.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these cookies their shape and structure. If you need gluten-free, you can try a 1-to-1 baking flour blend—but keep an eye on the dough consistency.
Jam: This brings the fruity flavor and pretty pop of color. Raspberry and strawberry are classic, but apricot and cherry work well too. I prefer smoother jams for easier spreading.
How Do I Get Perfect Jam-Filled Cookie Layers Without Messing Up?
The trick is to bake the solid hearts and the frame hearts separately. Cool them completely before adding jam. If the cookies are warm, the jam can melt too much and spill.
- Spread a thin, even layer of jam on each solid cookie base.
- Gently press the cutout cookie on top without sliding to avoid smearing the jam.
- Let the jam set by cooling the cookie stacks in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes if you want firmer filling.
This method keeps the jam looking bright and the cookies neat, making them a treat that’s both pretty and tasty!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining your ingredients smoothly and easily.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugar to a light, fluffy texture.
- Rolling pin – lets you roll dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – essential for cutting full hearts and the jam-filled cutout tops.
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat for baking cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Wire cooling rack – keeps cookies crisp by allowing air to circulate as they cool.
- Small spatula or butter knife – handy for spreading jam neatly onto cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use apricot or cherry jam instead of strawberry or raspberry for a different fruity twist that pairs well with buttery cookies.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that’s great in cooler months.
- Mix in finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and texture.
- Top the cookies with a light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate after assembling for an elegant touch and added sweetness.
Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
In total, you’ll spend about 30–40 minutes preparing and baking these cookies. Then allow around 10 minutes for cooling and assembling. The entire process is straightforward and fun, making these cookies perfect for a quick sweet treat or festive gift!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
3. Shape the Cookies:
Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out whole hearts and place these on one baking sheet. Refrigerate any remaining dough. Roll out the second half to the same thickness, then take a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out hearts from the center of each cookie to create heart frames. Place these on the second baking sheet.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake both trays in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Assemble the Cookies:
Once cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of jam on each whole heart cookie. Then gently press a heart-cutout cookie on top, lining up the shapes so the jam fills the cutout window. If you like, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar, avoiding the jam area to keep it shiny and fresh.
6. Serve or Store:
Enjoy your beautiful Heart Jam Valentine Cookies fresh! They also keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Dough?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to cream properly with the sugar. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
Can I Substitute the Jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any fruit jam or preserves you like. Just choose a thicker jam to avoid it spreading too much during baking. If it’s very runny, you can gently heat it to reduce moisture before spreading.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your Heart Jam Valentine Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, place the container in the fridge—just bring cookies to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake and cool the cookies a day ahead, then assemble them with jam just before serving to keep the jam fresh and bright.