Heart Jam Cookies

1. Heart Jam Cookies Overview

There’s nothing quite like a batch of Heart Jam Cookies to make any occasion feel extra special. These delightful, buttery cookies feature a tender shortbread-like texture paired with a jewel-like raspberry jam center. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a cozy night in, these cookies bring a mix of elegance and nostalgia to your table.

Did you know these cookies have Swedish roots? Known as “Hallongrotta” or “raspberry caves,” they’ve been enjoyed since the 1800s during traditional Swedish coffee gatherings called “kafferep.” Across the globe, they’re also called thumbprint cookies, jam drops, or even pits of love. Cute, right? Whatever you call them, their appeal is universal.

These cookies are beginner-friendly but sophisticated enough to impress your guests. The secret is in the heart-shaped indentations and the luscious jam filling. Plus, the options for customizing them are endless, making them a hit for any celebration. Looking for more inspiration? Check out these Valentine’s Day cookie recipes.

2. Heart Jam Cookies Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these heavenly treats:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but recommended for extra flavor)

Filling:

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves

Pro Tip:

• Opt for a high-quality jam or homemade preserves for the best flavor. Curious about the difference between raspberry preserves and jam? Preserves have fruit chunks, while jam is smoother, making it ideal for these cookies.

Optional Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Substitution Ideas:

• No raspberry jam? Swap it for strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jam.
• Allergic to almonds? Skip the almond extract, and the cookies will still shine.

3. How to Make Heart Jam Cookies

Preparation :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.

Creaming the Butter :

1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients :

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure the dough is fully incorporated.

Shape and Chill Dough:

1. Use a tablespoon-sized scoop or your hands to form dough balls. Each ball should be about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Roll the dough into smooth balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Use your pinky finger or the handle of a small spoon to gently press a heart-shaped indent into each dough ball. For a clean shape, start with a “V” motion and round out the edges.
4. Chill the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This helps prevent spreading during baking.

Fill and Bake :

1. Slightly warm the raspberry jam in the microwave for easier handling. Use a small spoon to fill each heart-shaped indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
2. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Storing and Reheating Jam-Filled Cookies

Room Temperature:

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To maintain their shape and texture, use wax paper to separate layers of cookies. This prevents them from sticking together or losing their delicate structure. For added freshness, consider adding a small piece of bread or a sugar cube to the container—this helps regulate moisture and keeps the cookies from drying out too quickly.

Refrigeration:

For extended storage, place the cookies in the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge. When ready to serve, allow the cookies to return to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. If you like, you can warm them slightly in a microwave for 5-10 seconds to give them a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Freezing:

• Unbaked Dough: Shape the dough balls and freeze them without jam in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When baking from frozen, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time and fill with jam right before placing them in the oven.
• Baked Cookies: Fully baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then store them in a freezer-safe container. To serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 1 hour. For a freshly baked aroma, reheat them briefly in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Pro Tip: Avoid dusting frozen cookies with powdered sugar until they have fully thawed. The condensation from defrosting can cause the sugar to clump and lose its delicate appearance.

5. Variations and Pro Tips for Heart Jam Cookies

Variations:

• Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright flavor.
• Chocolate Delight: Swap the jam for melted chocolate or Nutella.
• Nuts: Press chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios around the edges of the cookies before baking.
• Holiday Flair: Add a drop of food coloring to the jam to match festive themes.

Pro Tips:

1. Chill the dough: It’s the secret to perfectly shaped cookies that don’t spread.
2. Measure flour accurately: Use the scoop-and-level method to avoid crumbly dough.
3. High-quality ingredients: Premium butter and vanilla extract make all the difference in flavor.
4. Warm jam slightly: This prevents messy handling and helps it fill the indents smoothly.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Special Occasions and Serving Ideas

These cookies are versatile and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations. For a charming afternoon, serve them during tea time alongside a variety of other light snacks like finger sandwiches and fruit platters. They also make an eye-catching addition to any holiday dessert spread, complementing treats like fudge, truffles, or fruit tarts.

For romantic occasions, pair these cookies with champagne or a sparkling rosé for a delightful dessert. Planning a cozy family gathering? These cookies can be a centerpiece dessert or part of a bake-it-yourself activity with kids, where everyone gets to fill their own cookie hearts with their favorite jams.

Hosting a themed party? Try matching the jam color to your decor or holiday theme—red for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, or even yellow apricot for summer events. Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out these Red velvet-inspired desserts for another stunning option to wow your guests.

8. Conclusion and Call-to-Action

Heart Jam Cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to make. With their buttery base and fruity filling, they’re a treat that brings joy to any table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a little self-care baking, these cookies are a win.

Share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #VirileHeartCookies. Don’t forget to explore more of our Valentine’s Day cookie recipes or try these Christmas cookie bars for festive celebrations. Happy baking!