Heart Cookies with Jam

4.91 from 11 votes

These buttery heart cookies are filled with jam and baked to perfection—an easy, sweet treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion.

Prep Time20

Cook Time12

resting time2

Total Time34

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cookies recipe, valentines day, heart cookies, cookies with jam, heart jam cookies

Servings: cookies

Calories: 147kcal

1½ cups (12 ounces) unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract optional, but recommended
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
⅔ cups red jam use strawberry, cherry, or red raspberry jam or preserves, or a sugar-free jam

Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Grease two baking sheets, or line with parchment or silicone (Silpat) mats.
In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), add butter and sugar; combine at medium speed for 3 minutes. The mixture should be light yellow and smooth.
Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; combine at medium-high speed for 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
Set mixer to low speed and add flour, one cup at a time, and salt until completely blended.
Use a small scoop or large tablespoon to portion dough and roll them into balls.
Arrange cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between cookies.
Place your thumb at a slight left angle and press deeply into the middle of the dough. Repeat, but at a slight right angle, to create a heart-shaped indentation.
Bake at 350ºF for 12-14 minutes, until cookies are lightly golden and beginning to crack on the edges. Remove them from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.
Using a spatula, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Then, use 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of jam or preserves to fill each heart shaped indentation.

To pack these as a gift, line a sturdy, decorative box with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and add a layer of tissue paper for a festive touch. Arrange the heart cookies in a single layer, separating each with parchment dividers, then secure the box with a ribbon to keep them safe and presentable.

Recipe Variations:

Use different flavors and/or colors for other holidays. Instead of strawberry, make cherry thumbprint cookies, or use blueberry jam for Memorial Day or 4th of July.
Dust with powdered sugar. Dust your cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish perfect for any special occasion.
Add decorations. Decorate the tops with sprinkles, colored sugar, chocolate chips, or candy for a festive touch.
Add a bit of spice. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or sprinkle a bit of ground ginger on top for a hint of warm spice.

Storing Instructions:

To store the cookies, first cool completely, until the jam is set. Layer the cookies between sheets of waxed paper. Store in an airtight container.
To freeze the cookies, first put them on a baking sheet that has parchment paper. Then put the baking sheet of cookies in the freezer for about an hour until they are frozen.
Once they are frozen, package them in a resealable bag or airtight container. You can store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. To thaw the cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.