Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that combine a tender, buttery cookie with a burst of fruity jam right in the center. They’re shaped like hearts, making them perfect for sharing a little love on Valentine’s Day or any special moment. The jam peeks through the top, adding a pop of color and a deliciously sticky surprise in every bite.
I love making these cookies because they’re fun to bake and even more fun to eat. The jam can be any flavor you like—strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot—and it always adds a bright, fruity touch that balances the cookie’s softness. I usually make extra jam so I can experiment with different colors and tastes each time I bake them, which never fails to bring smiles at home.
These cookies are great for gifting or just keeping on hand for a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or coffee. I like to pack them in a little box with some tissue paper and tie it up with a ribbon—it makes sharing them feel extra special. Plus, they’re so easy to make that I find myself baking them year-round, not just for Valentine’s Day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened unsalted butter is the base for the cookie dough. It gives the cookies tenderness and flavor. You can use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for structure. If you need gluten-free, try a blend that measures like all-purpose flour.
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam adds the sweet, fruity center. Use your favorite type or even marmalade for a tangy twist. Choose thicker jam to avoid spreading too much while baking.
Food Coloring: Red food coloring is optional for the pretty pink border. If you prefer a natural color, beet juice powder or freeze-dried berry powder work well too.
How Do You Get the Perfect Heart-Shaped Jam Border Without Spreading?
The tricky part is making sure the jam stays nicely inside the pink heart dough border without spilling over. Here’s how I do it:
- Roll the dough evenly to about ¼-inch thick so the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Cut the plain heart shapes first, then cut smaller hearts from the colored dough for the border.
- Press the colored hearts gently onto the plain hearts; don’t press too hard to avoid flattening the shapes.
- Make sure the jam fills only the space inside the border—about 1 teaspoon per cookie is plenty.
- Chill the cookies before baking; this helps the dough set and keeps the sides from spreading.
- Bake at 350°F and watch closely near the end to prevent the jam from bubbling over.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your dough ingredients smoothly and easily.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar simple and quick.
- Rolling pin – to roll dough evenly to get those perfect heart shapes.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (large and small) – essential for cutting both the cookie base and the inner jam border.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – helps cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup easier.
- Wire cooling rack – to cool cookies completely without sogginess.
- Spoon or piping bag – for neatly filling jam into the cookie centers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap raspberry or strawberry jam for apricot or cherry jam for different fruity flavors that still bake well.
- Add a teaspoon of almond or orange extract to the dough instead of vanilla for a nutty or citrusy twist.
- Mix in finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into the dough for extra texture and taste.
- Try using colored sugar or edible glitter on the pink border for a sparkly finish, perfect for gifts or parties.
How to Make Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional for the pink border)
- ½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam (for filling)
- Edible gold dust or glitter (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and shape the cookies, plus 15-20 minutes to chill before baking. Baking time is around 12-15 minutes, and then you’ll want to allow some cooling time before serving. In total, expect about 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. This helps distribute everything evenly and avoids any clumps.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until you don’t see any dry flour. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
5. Color and Shape the Dough:
Divide your dough into two portions. Add red food coloring to one portion, then knead it gently to make a pink dough for your heart borders.
Roll out the plain dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Next, roll out the pink dough and use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out hearts that will be placed inside the plain hearts, creating a border.
6. Add the Jam and Decorate:
Press the smaller pink hearts onto the center of the larger plain heart cookies, making sure the edges are sealed gently to hold the jam.
Carefully spoon about 1 teaspoon of your favorite raspberry or strawberry jam into the center of each cookie, inside the pink border. For an extra special look, sprinkle a little edible gold dust or glitter on the pink dough.
7. Chill and Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up the dough. This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes until the edges are just turning golden.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, the jam will be set, making these cookies perfect for sharing or gifting.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting the cookies.
What Can I Substitute for Raspberry Jam?
Feel free to use any thick fruit jam you like, such as strawberry, apricot, or cherry. Just make sure it’s not too runny to avoid spreading while baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If it’s warm or humid, keep them in the fridge to avoid the jam becoming sticky.
Can I Make the Pink Dough Without Food Coloring?
Absolutely! You can omit the food coloring or substitute it with natural options like beet powder or freeze-dried raspberry powder to get a faint pink hue.
