Heart Jam Cookies: 7 Irresistibly Sweet Moments to Savor

Welcome to the delightful world of Heart Jam Cookies! These little treats are not just cookies; they’re love letters baked into a crispy, buttery shell filled with luscious raspberry jam. Every bite brings a sweet burst of flavor, and their charming heart shape makes them perfect for sharing – or keeping all to yourself, no judgment here! I still remember the first time I made these with my mom. We’d roll out the dough, giggling as we pressed the cookie cutters into the soft, fragrant mixture. The smell of baking cookies mingled with laughter in our kitchen, creating memories that still warm my heart today.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these Heart Jam Cookies will surely steal the show. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! Let’s dive into how to make these adorable cookies and create sweet moments in your own kitchen.

Ingredients List

To create these delightful Heart Jam Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour – this is the base of your cookies, giving them structure.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch – it helps make the cookies tender and adds a lovely texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – just a pinch to enhance the sweetness!
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature – this is key for that rich, buttery flavor.
• ⅓ cup (70 g) light brown sugar, packed – it adds a hint of caramel sweetness.
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar – for that perfect cookie sweetness.
• 1 large egg yolk – it enriches the dough and adds moisture.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – for a warm, inviting flavor.
• 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract (optional) – this gives a lovely nutty aroma.
• ½ cup raspberry jam – the star filling that brings these cookies to life!
• Optional: lemon or orange zest, sanding sugar – zest adds a citrus twist, while sanding sugar gives a sparkling finish.

How to Prepare Heart Jam Cookies

Prepare Baking Sheets

First things first, you’ll want to get your baking sheets ready! Line two 13×9-inch baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is super important because it prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, the cookies will slide right off when they’re done baking, so you can focus on the fun part—eating them!

Mix Dry Ingredients

Now, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This mixture is the backbone of your cookies, creating the right texture and structure. Setting this aside allows the flavors to blend and gives you a nice, even base when you combine it with the wet ingredients later.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat these together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it’s where you create those tiny air pockets that make your cookies tender. You want it to look a pale, whipped cloud of deliciousness—trust me, it’ll make all the difference!

Add Wet Ingredients

Next, it’s time to add some love! Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Make sure everything is well combined. The egg yolk enriches the dough, helping to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. The extracts add a warm, inviting aroma that will have everyone asking what’s baking!

Combine with Dry Ingredients

Now comes the fun part: gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix! You want to see a few flour streaks left; that’s perfectly okay. This careful mixing keeps the cookies light and tender rather than dense and tough.

Shape Cookies

Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls and roll them smoothly between your palms. Uniformity is key here; it helps the cookies bake evenly. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them since they’ll spread slightly in the oven.

Make Indentations

Now for the fun part! With your thumb or the back of a measuring teaspoon, gently press a small heart shape into the center of each cookie ball. This creates the perfect little pocket for that delicious raspberry jam. Plus, it adds a lovely touch that makes these cookies truly special!

Chill Dough

Pop your baking sheets into the freezer for about 30 minutes or refrigerate them for an hour. This chilling time is super important because it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. You’ll get that delightful crisp edge and soft center that makes Heart Jam Cookies so irresistible!

Preheat Oven

While your dough is chilling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven. You don’t want to skip this step; it’s all about that perfectly baked goodness!

Prepare Jam Filling

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the raspberry jam until it’s slightly runny—this shouldn’t take more than 20-30 seconds in the microwave. You want it to be pourable but not boiling! This makes it super easy to fill those adorable heart-shaped indents in your cookies.

Bake Cookies

Now it’s time to bake! Fill each heart indentation with the warmed raspberry jam and pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the kitchen is filled with that irresistible, sweet aroma!

Cool Cookies

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This little cooling period is essential; it allows them to firm up a bit before you dig in. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you get to enjoy these delightful Heart Jam Cookies!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these Heart Jam Cookies! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just estimates. For a serving size of two cookies, you’re looking at approximately 234 calories, with 11 grams of sugar and 10 grams of fat. They also pack in 3 grams of protein and a sprinkle of carbs at 33 grams. These cookies are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heart Jam Cookies are a hit for so many reasons, and I can’t wait for you to experience them! Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will become a favorite in your home:

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, even on a busy day.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and sweet raspberry jam creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Visually Appealing: Their charming heart shape makes them perfect for special occasions or just to brighten someone’s day.
• Fun to Make: Whether you’re baking alone or with loved ones, shaping and filling these cookies is a delightful activity.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gifting or bringing to gatherings, spreading love one heart at a time!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Heart Jam Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I swear by!

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming. It should be soft but not melted. This helps create that light and fluffy texture we all love!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, and we want them light and tender!
• Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It really helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading too much while baking.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies! They should be golden around the edges but still look a little soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in different extracts or zests to customize your cookies. A little lemon or orange zest can elevate the flavor beautifully!

Variations

One of the best things about Heart Jam Cookies is how versatile they are! While raspberry jam is a classic, you can easily switch things up. Try using strawberry or apricot jam for a fruity twist that’s just as delightful. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade lemon curd or even chocolate ganache can make for a rich and unexpected filling. You can also infuse your dough with different flavors; think about adding a splash of orange zest or a hint of coconut extract for a tropical vibe. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and find your perfect flavor combo!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Heart Jam Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but trust me, they might not last that long! If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll stay good for up to two weeks. When it comes to reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. This little trick brings back that warm, gooey jam filling and makes the cookies feel freshly baked again. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Heart Jam Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right treats or beverages can elevate your experience! I love serving them alongside a steaming cup of tea or a rich, aromatic coffee—there’s just something magical about that combination. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a fabulous dessert duo. For a festive touch, why not arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries? The vibrant colors and flavors create a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for any gathering. Trust me, these cookies shine even brighter when shared with a little something extra!

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