Heart Print Jam Cookies

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Heart Print Jam Cookies are delicate, buttery shortbread-style cookies with a sweet, fruity jam filling in the center, creating a cute heart shape. The cookies are typically made by cutting dough into circles and using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a little window in the center of half of them. Once baked, a spoonful of fruit jam, like raspberry or strawberry, is added to the heart-shaped cut-out, making for a colorful, festive touch.

I first made Heart Print Jam Cookies for a Valentine’s Day celebration, and they were a big hit! The soft, crumbly texture of the shortbread paired perfectly with the sweet, tangy jam. What I love most about these cookies is how beautiful they look while being incredibly easy to make. You can customize them with different jam flavors or even dust them with powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish. Heart Print Jam Cookies are perfect for gifting, bringing to parties, or just adding a little love to your day!

Perfect for:

  • Valentine’s Day
  • Celebratory events
  • Gifts for loved ones
  • Tea parties
  • Cookie lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Heart Print Jam Cookies will become your new favorite treat:

  • Sweet and Fruity: The jam filling provides a burst of flavor that contrasts perfectly with the buttery cookie base.
  • Easy to Make: These cookies are simple to prepare, making them perfect for beginners or a quick treat.
  • Versatile Flavor Options: You can use any type of jam, from strawberry to raspberry or apricot, to suit your taste.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Their adorable heart shape makes them a great homemade gift for loved ones.
  • Beautiful and Elegant: The heart imprint and jam filling make these cookies a charming addition to any occasion.
  • Perfect Texture: These cookies are crispy on the edges but soft in the center, giving them the perfect bite.
  • Customizable Shapes: While heart-shaped is traditional, you can use any cookie cutter for fun variations.
  • Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled until you’re ready to bake.
  • Great for Parties: These cookies are an easy crowd-pleaser for parties and gatherings.
  • Kid-Friendly: Children will love helping to press the hearts and fill the cookies with jam.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Jam Filling:

  • ½ cup fruit jam (your choice of flavor)

Optional Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
  • Fruit Jam: Adds a sweet, tangy burst of flavor that perfectly complements the buttery cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making the cookies extra fragrant and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
  6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Shape the Cookies:

  1. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
  2. Cut Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you like) to cut out cookies.
  3. Create Heart Imprints: For each cookie, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to press a heart shape in the center (creating a window for the jam).
  4. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Fill with Jam:

  1. Add Jam: Spoon a small amount of jam into the center of each cookie, filling the heart-shaped window.
  2. Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Garnish:

  1. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
  2. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a lovely finishing touch.

Serve:

  1. Enjoy: Serve with tea or coffee, or pack them up as gifts for your loved ones.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Heart Print Jam Cookies:

  • As a Valentine’s Day Treat: Serve these as a sweet, homemade gift or treat for your loved ones.
  • With Afternoon Tea: Pair with a cup of tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
  • For Parties: Set up a cookie platter at your next celebration to delight your guests.
  • As a Gift: These cookies are ideal for gifting on birthdays or holidays.
  • For Breakfast: Enjoy with a cup of coffee for a sweet start to your day.
  • With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream for a delicious dessert.
  • With Fruit Salad: Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a lighter, refreshing treat.
  • For Cookie Boxes: Fill a homemade cookie box with these cookies to surprise someone special.
  • For Picnic Treats: These cookies are perfect for a picnic or outdoor gathering.
  • As a Dessert Platter: Include these cookies on a dessert platter for a variety of sweet options.

Additional Tips

  • Chill Dough for Easier Rolling: If the dough gets too soft, pop it back in the fridge to chill for a few more minutes.
  • Use Jam Sparingly: Too much jam can cause it to spill over the edges during baking.
  • Cut Clean Imprints: For a clean heart imprint, press down firmly with the cutter, but don’t twist it.
  • Even Jam Distribution: Use a teaspoon to fill the heart cutout with jam to avoid overflow.

Recipe Variations

  • Different Jam Flavors: Experiment with strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for different flavors.
  • Lemon Heart Print Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
  • Nutty Heart Cookies: Add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the dough for a crunchy variation.
  • Chocolate Heart Print Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version of these cookies.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Filled with Nut Butter: Use peanut butter or almond butter instead of jam for a unique filling.

Special Equipment

  • Cookie Cutters: Heart-shaped cookie cutters for shaping the cookies.
  • Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar smoothly.
  • Rolling Pin: To roll the dough evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cookie removal.
  • Teaspoon: For adding jam to the cookies.
  • Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use homemade jam for the filling?
    Yes, homemade jam works just as well as store-bought jam.
  2. How long will these cookies last?
    The cookies will last up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
  3. Can I freeze the dough?
    Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
  4. What can I substitute for butter?
    You can substitute butter with margarine or a non-dairy butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
  5. Can I use sugar substitutes?
    Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia, but it may alter the texture slightly.
  6. What if the jam spills over during baking?
    If this happens, simply trim off any excess jam once the cookies are cooled.
  7. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, double the ingredients for a larger batch of cookies.
  8. Can I make the cookies bigger?
    You can make larger cookies, but adjust the baking time accordingly (a bit longer).
  9. Can I skip the powdered sugar dusting?
    Yes, the cookies are delicious without it, but it adds a nice touch of sweetness and elegance.
  10. What other shapes can I use?
    You can use any shape you like, such as stars, circles, or even squares for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Heart Print Jam Cookies are a delightful and sweet treat that combines buttery, soft cookie dough with a colorful jam filling, all shaped into adorable heart prints. These cookies are perfect for celebrating love, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or just a fun baking project. The cookies have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the fruity jam adds a burst of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.

To make them, you’ll roll out your cookie dough, cut it into rounds, and use a heart-shaped cutter to create a charming heart-shaped window in the center. A dollop of your favorite fruit jam (like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot) is placed inside, creating a lovely contrast. Once baked, these cookies are not only delicious but also look as if they’ve been made with extra love.

I can’t wait to see how your Heart Print Jam Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these cookies your own!