Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

There is something wonderfully nostalgic and delightfully charming about these Heart Jam Cookies. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, this Heart Jam Cookies Recipe captures the essence of buttery, tender cookies married with the sweet, tangy burst of raspberry preserves. Each bite offers a beautiful balance of soft dough, a kiss of almond extract, and the inviting sweetness of powdered sugar dusting that makes them as pretty as they are delicious. If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm, edible hug, this recipe is bound to make your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial in bringing out the best texture, flavor, and look in your Heart Jam Cookies Recipe. Each element plays its part in creating cookies that are fluffy, tender, and visually heart-stealing.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich creaminess and helps develop a tender crumb texture.
• ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough gently without overpowering the raspberry filling.
• 1 tsp pure almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that perfectly complements the raspberry preserves.
• 2 ½ cups flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their structure and perfect chewiness.
• ¼ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing out the sweetness beautifully.
• ¾ cup raspberry preserves: The star of the filling—the bright, tart jam adds luscious fruity punch.
• 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting: Adds an elegant, snowy finish and a touch of sweetness on the outside.

How to Make Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by warming up your kitchen with the oven set to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off effortlessly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Almond Extract

Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, blend the softened butter, sugar, and almond extract together until the mixture turns creamy and fluffy. This step is key—it introduces air into the dough, making the cookies light and tender.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour and kosher salt into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together into a dough. This gradual approach helps avoid overmixing and keeps your cookies soft instead of tough.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Surface

Transfer your dough to a lightly floured cutting board, sprinkling a bit more flour on top to prevent stickiness. This simple move lets you roll out the dough with ease.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Roll the dough evenly to about ¼ inch thick. This thickness is perfect to hold the jam filling without getting too crisp or collapsing during baking.

Step 6: Cut Out Large Hearts

Using a large heart-shaped cutter, punch out 12 adorable cookies and gently place them on your prepared cookie sheets.

Step 7: Cut Mini Hearts in the Centers

Take a smaller heart-shaped cutter and delicately cut 6 mini hearts out of the center of half your cookies. These will become the tops of your sandwich cookies, letting the raspberry filling peek through beautifully.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Pop your cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on the trays before transferring the jam-less hearts to a wire rack.

Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Give the top halves of your sandwich cookies a generous dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a snowy, festive touch that really elevates their look.

Step 10: Spread Raspberry Preserves

On the plain cookie halves, spread about 1 tablespoon of raspberry preserves evenly. This luscious layer is the heart and soul of these cookies.

Step 11: Assemble and Enjoy!

Carefully press the sugar-dusted cookie tops onto the jam-spread bottoms. The mini heart cut-outs let the vibrant raspberry filling shine through, creating a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple yet charming presentation, add a few fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint next to the cookies on your serving platter. The green and red hues create a festive look that’s perfect for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of fragrant tea, a steaming mug of hot cocoa, or even a glass of cold milk. These drinks offset the sugary sweetness and enrich the cozy vibe of the Heart Jam Cookies Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies in a tall jar tied with a ribbon for a sweet gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to steal the show at parties or make an adorable Valentine’s Day centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The soft texture and sweet jam stay fresh, making them perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

If you want to keep the magic longer, freeze the unassembled cookie halves separately for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw, spread with jam, and assemble just before serving to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want a warm treat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Warm cookies and gooey raspberry jam create pure bliss.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam in this recipe?

Absolutely! While raspberry preserves bring a lovely tartness, you can swap in strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry jam depending on your preference for a delicious twist.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can substitute with pure vanilla extract for a classic flavor or skip it altogether. The cookies will still be tasty, but the almond extract adds a unique, nutty depth that’s worth including if possible.

How do I prevent the cookie centers from burning?

Keep an eye on your oven during baking and remove the cookies as soon as the edges start to turn golden brown. Also, using parchment paper distributes heat more evenly, preventing burning.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

What’s the best way to store assembled jam cookies?

Store assembled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between them. Keeping them at room temperature ensures the texture stays soft and the jam remains deliciously fresh.

Final Thoughts

Making this Heart Jam Cookies Recipe is like creating an edible little love letter that’s perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with a warm drink. The combination of buttery dough, sweet almond notes, and bright raspberry jam is simply irresistible. I encourage you to grab your apron and dive into this joyful baking adventure—it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

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