Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that feel like a hug in cookie form. They’re crisp, buttery cookies with a dollop of bright, fruity jam in the center that makes them extra special. The heart shape brings out all the Valentine’s Day vibes, making them perfect for sharing with the people you care about.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple but feel so thoughtful. My favorite part is picking the jam flavor—whether it’s classic strawberry or something a little tangier like raspberry, it gives each cookie a pop of color and flavor. Plus, they’re fun to bake with kids or friends because little hands can help press the jam and shape the cookies.
These cookies work great for gift bags, school parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea. Whenever I make them, I always keep an eye on the jam so it doesn’t bubble over, which keeps the cookies looking neat and inviting. Sweet, simple, and full of love—these Heart Jam Valentine Cookies always bring a smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and keeps the cookie taste clean. If needed, you can swap with vegan margarine for a dairy-free option.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these cookies their tender but firm texture. For gluten-free needs, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend works well—just check the package for any extra starches.
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam adds that colorful, sweet center. You can switch to other red or pink jams, like cherry or cranberry, to change the flavor or use sugar-free jam for less sweetness.
Royal Icing: This icing helps decorate and hold the sandwich together. If you prefer, you can use store-bought cookie icing or skip it for a simpler look.
How Do You Get Perfect Jam Centers Without Spilling?
Filling the cookie frame with jam can be tricky since it might bubble or run during baking. Here’s how I handle it:
- Use a thicker jam or gently cook it down to reduce runniness before filling.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding jam—warm cookies can melt it.
- Place just a small dollop of jam in the center; too much can overflow.
- After filling, avoid touching the jam until it sets to keep it neat.
Following these tips will help you get a nicely set, shiny jam center that stays inside the cookie frame for a beautiful presentation.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for mixing your dough and other ingredients easily.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough evenly to get perfect cookie thickness.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – one large for the base and a smaller one to cut the jam center frames.
- Baking sheets with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes clean-up fast.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
- Piping bag or small spatula – for decorating the top cookies with royal icing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap raspberry or strawberry jam with apricot or peach jam for a sweeter, fruitier twist.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract in the dough for a nutty, cozy flavor that pairs well with jam.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for small bursts of chocolate in each bite.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of royal icing for a softer, tangy topping on your cookies.
How to Make Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decorating:
- Red or pink royal icing
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or your preferred red fruit jam)
- Edible gold dust or sprinkles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the dough and cut the cookies, 1 hour for chilling the dough, 8-10 minutes to bake, plus extra time to cool and decorate. Plan on about 2 hours total, including letting the icing and jam set properly before assembling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cookie Dough:
Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix or your cookies might be tough.
2. Chill and Cut the Dough:
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up, so it’s easier to roll and cut. After chilling, roll one disk on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out whole hearts for the cookie bases, and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
3. Prepare the Top Cookies:
Roll out the second disk the same way. Use the same large heart cutter to cut hearts, then use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center, creating a jam-filled frame. These will be the cookie tops.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Bake both sets of cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Let them cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
5. Decorate with Icing and Jam:
Use red or pink royal icing to pipe around the frames of the top cookies. You can add decorative ridges or patterns for a special touch. Then carefully spoon a bit of your chosen jam into the center of each cut-out. Optionally, sprinkle edible gold dust or sprinkles on the icing for a festive sparkle.
6. Assemble and Enjoy:
Once the icing and jam have set, gently sandwich the jam-filled tops onto the plain heart bases, pressing lightly to stick. Store your beautiful Heart Jam Valentine Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Enjoy sharing these sweet symbols of love!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough disks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and roll out as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your heart jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers helps prevent sticking.
Can I Substitute Different Types of Jam?
Absolutely! Use any thick, flavorful jam you like—raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or even apricot all work well. Just make sure it’s not too runny to avoid spilling during baking.
How Do I Make Royal Icing at Home?
To make simple royal icing, whisk together powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder), and a bit of lemon juice or vanilla until smooth and pipeable. Adjust consistency with water as needed for decorating.
