If you’re searching for a treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, Heart Print Jam Cookies are absolutely irresistible. These delicate, buttery cookies are shaped with a sweet heart press and then filled with glossy, jewel-toned jam, making every bite a buttery, fruity delight. They’re pure joy—bringing smiles to little ones, stealing the show at special occasions, or serving as a heartfelt homemade gift. With simple ingredients and a whimsical touch, it’s no wonder Heart Print Jam Cookies often become a treasured family tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of basic pantry staples come together to create the magic that is Heart Print Jam Cookies. Each ingredient plays its part in building flavor, creating a tender crumb, or adding that irresistible pop of color in the center.
- Unsalted butter, softened: This is the foundation of the cookie, adding rich flavor and helping achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Brings essential sweetness and aids in the cookie’s delicate, crisp edges.
- Egg yolk: Enriches the dough and adds a lovely golden hue, ensuring tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies beautifully soft and tender.
- Salt: A tiny pinch makes the flavors sing and balances out the sweetness.
- Raspberry or strawberry jam: The heart of the matter! Choose a vibrant, flavorful jam, or get creative with your favorite fruit blend.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For an elegant snowy finish, adding sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Heart Print Jam Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Preheat
Start your Heart Print Jam Cookies adventure by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will prevent sticking and give your cookies a perfectly even bake. Little steps like these make cleanup easier and your cookies look bakery-perfect right from the start.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar and beat together until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This airiness is essential for a tender crumb, so take your time here—proper creaming makes a world of difference.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Crack the egg, separate the yolk, and blend it into the fluffy butter mixture, along with the vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the dough and blanket your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that’s oh-so-cozy.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed or by hand until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be soft but not sticky—if it feels a bit dry, don’t worry; pressing it in your hands will help it hold shape.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, rolling each one gently between your palms to form balls. These little rounds will soon become the base for your lovely Heart Print Jam Cookies. Arrange them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Make Heart Prints and Fill with Jam
Now for the fun part! Using your thumb and index finger, gently press two overlapping indentations into the center of each ball, forming a sweet heart shape. If you want perfection, use the handle of a spoon to guide the shape. Next, fill each heart with a small dollop of your chosen jam. The vibrant color and glossy look are what make these cookies truly special.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown and the centers remain pale. The aroma is a promise of what’s to come! Allow your Heart Print Jam Cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll set up beautifully as they cool.
Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)
Once completely cooled, give your cookies a gentle snow-like dusting of powdered sugar if you wish. It’s an effortless final touch that makes them look as magical as they taste.
How to Serve Heart Print Jam Cookies
Garnishes
For a classic finish, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies does wonders. You could even add a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a pretty green accent or nestle them in crinkly paper cups to make each Heart Print Jam Cookie feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine next to a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of tea, or a fruity lemonade. They’re ideal for serving alongside fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an understated yet charming dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Heart Print Jam Cookies look wonderful stacked in decorative jars, packed in a festive box, or arranged on a tiered platter for special occasions. Try slipping a few into cellophane bags and tying with ribbon for a homemade gift straight from the heart. Arrange them in the shape of a heart on a serving tray for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Heart Print Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together, especially if you’ve dusted them with powdered sugar.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, freeze the unbaked, shaped dough balls on a baking tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, make your heart indents, fill with jam, and bake as usual. You can also freeze fully baked cookies, though jam centers may become a bit softer after thawing.
Reheating
To refresh stored or thawed Heart Print Jam Cookies, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 4 minutes. This revitalizes their delicate texture and brings out the buttery aroma once more—just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use different types of jam for the filling?
Absolutely! Heart Print Jam Cookies are wonderfully versatile. Try blueberry, apricot, cherry, or even a tangy marmalade for a delightful twist. Mixing and matching flavors can be a fun way to personalize your cookies for any season or occasion.
Why do my cookies crack when I make the heart indent?
Cracking can happen if the dough is too cold or dry. Letting the dough warm slightly at room temperature and rolling it smooth before shaping can help. A gentle touch and gradual pressing with your fingers or the handle of a spoon usually create the neatest heart shapes without splitting.
Are these cookies safe for nut allergies?
Traditional Heart Print Jam Cookies contain no nuts in the dough or filling, but always double-check the jam ingredients and any garnishes for cross-contamination. If you’re gifting them, it’s a good idea to let recipients know they’re nut-free—or add a note if you adapt the recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?
Definitely! The dough for Heart Print Jam Cookies can be wrapped tightly and chilled for up to two days. When ready to bake, simply let it soften at room temperature until it’s pliable enough to shape.
Do these cookies ship well for gifting?
Yes, they do! Heart Print Jam Cookies hold up beautifully in transit if layered carefully between wax or parchment paper in a sturdy tin or box. The jam centers stay tender, and they’re sure to delight friends or loved ones receiving a taste of homemade sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking a batch of Heart Print Jam Cookies and watching jammy hearts peek through golden, buttery dough—they truly radiate love and homemade joy. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to sweeten up your day, I hope you’ll give these cookies a try and share the smiles they bring!
Print
Heart Print Jam Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Heart Print Jam Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Butter cookies filled with sweet jam and dusted with powdered sugar, these charming cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For filling and decoration:
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Press two overlapping indentations into the center of each cookie to create a heart shape.
- Fill and bake: Fill each heart-shaped indent with jam. Bake for 12–14 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finish: Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- You can use any fruit jam you like—raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry blend.
- For neater heart shapes, use the handle of a spoon to guide the indent.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
