You know that cookie that looks almost too pretty to eat? Yep, that’s these! Heart Jam Cookies are buttery, soft, and filled with a sweet, fruity jam center that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because you need a little sweetness, these cookies always bring a smile.

What makes these special? That melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture—light, crisp, and buttery with just the right amount of chewiness. And let’s talk about the jam filling. Whether you go for strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even fig jam, the combination of buttery cookie and sweet, slightly tart jam is just perfect.

And the best part? They’re super easy to make. No complicated techniques, no fancy ingredients—just classic, homemade goodness. If you love baking pretty treats, you’ll also love Salted Caramel Macarons—another delicate but absolutely worth-it dessert!

Grab your rolling pin and let’s make something delicious—these Heart Jam Cookies are about to become your new favorite sweet treat!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

There’s something about Heart Jam Cookies that just feels special. Maybe it’s the adorable heart shape, the melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, or that sweet, fruity jam center—whatever it is, these cookies are always a hit.

1. Buttery, Soft, and Slightly Crisp

These cookies have the perfect texture—light and crisp on the edges, but buttery and soft in the center. They literally melt in your mouth, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or tea.

2. Easy to Make, But Look Fancy

Even though they look like something from a bakery, they’re so simple to make at home! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. And if you love making beautiful desserts, check out these Salted Caramel Macarons for another impressive treat!

3. Customizable with Your Favorite Jam

Love strawberry jam? Classic and sweet.
Prefer raspberry? A little tartness adds the perfect contrast.
Want something unique? Try apricot, fig, or even lemon curd!

4. Perfect for Gifting & Special Occasions

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or just a surprise treat, these cookies make the cutest homemade gifts. Wrap them up in a pretty box with a ribbon, and you’ve got an instant crowd-pleaser.

No matter the occasion, Heart Jam Cookies bring a little extra love to your dessert table. Ready to bake? Let’s start with the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients for Heart Jam Cookies

A great cookie starts with great ingredients, and these Heart Jam Cookies keep it simple with a few pantry staples. The key to getting that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture is using high-quality butter and just the right amount of sugar.

Main Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookies, giving them their structure.
½ cup powdered sugar – Keeps the cookies light and tender, unlike granulated sugar.
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – The star ingredient for a rich, buttery taste.
1 large egg yolk – Adds extra richness and helps bind the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings a warm, sweet depth of flavor.
½ cup fruit jam of choice – Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work best, but any jam will do!
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) – Adds a beautiful, bakery-style finish.

Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version – Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Dairy-Free Option – Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Egg-Free Alternative – Replace the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk or plant-based milk.

If you love rich, buttery treats, you’ll also want to try these Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese—they may be savory, but they share that perfectly creamy, indulgent texture.

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s move on to how to make these heart-shaped beauties!

How to Make Heart Jam Cookies

A step-by-step collage of making Heart Jam Cookies, from mixing the dough to cutting heart shapes and filling them with jam.

Making Heart Jam Cookies is fun, easy, and totally worth it. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have buttery, jam-filled treats that look like they came straight from a bakery. Here’s how to do it!

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Slowly add flour, stirring just until the dough comes together. (Tip: Don’t overmix, or the cookies will be tough!)
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll & Cut the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
On half of the cookies, cut a smaller heart in the center to create a “window” for the jam.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Let them cool completely before adding jam.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

Spread ½ teaspoon of jam onto the whole cookies.
Top with the cut-out cookies, pressing gently.
Dust with powdered sugar for that elegant touch!

Love making cute, delicious treats? Try these Salted Caramel Macarons for another sweet and fancy dessert!

Now, let’s talk about swaps and substitutions to make these cookies fit your preferences!

Swaps and Substitutions

One of the best things about Heart Jam Cookies is how customizable they are. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, or extra-indulgent version, there’s a way to make these cookies just right for you!

1. Make It Gluten-Free

Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (if your flour blend doesn’t already have it) to help with texture.

2. Dairy-Free & Vegan Version

Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Replace the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon plant-based milk or ½ tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water.

3. Try Different Jams & Fillings

Strawberry or Raspberry Jam – Classic and slightly tart.
Apricot or Fig Jam – A little more sophisticated and perfect for special occasions.
Chocolate or Nutella – Because chocolate makes everything better!
Lemon Curd – Adds a bright, citrusy twist.

4. Extra Flavor Twists

Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty depth.
Mix in orange zest for a hint of citrus.
Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar for a warm, cozy touch.

5. No Cookie Cutter? No Problem!

Use the rim of a small glass or jar lid to shape the cookies.
For the center cut-out, try using a bottle cap or a piping tip.

If you love fun, flavor-packed desserts, try these Melt-In-Your-Mouth Thumbprint Cookies for another buttery, jam-filled delight!

Next up—what to serve with Heart Jam Cookies!

What to Serve with Heart Jam Cookies

These Heart Jam Cookies are already sweet, buttery, and absolutely delicious, but pairing them with the right drink or dessert can take them to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy afternoon treat or as part of a dessert spread, here are some perfect pairings!

1. Classic Drink Pairings

Coffee & Espresso – The slightly bitter taste of coffee balances the sweetness of the jam beautifully.
Tea (Black or Herbal) – A warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile pairs perfectly with these delicate cookies.
Hot Chocolate – If you love an extra-indulgent treat, try dunking a cookie into rich, creamy hot cocoa.
Cold Milk – Because nothing beats cookies and milk, right?

2. Serve Them with Other Desserts

Salted Caramel Macarons – Another elegant, bakery-style treat that pairs beautifully with jam cookies.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – Adds a fruity, chocolatey contrast to the buttery shortbread.
Vanilla or Strawberry Ice Cream – Crumble the cookies over ice cream for an extra special dessert.

3. How to Present Them for Special Occasions

Arrange cookies on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant afternoon tea.
Wrap them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for an adorable gift.
Plate them with fresh berries and mint leaves for a fancy party spread.

A plated serving of Heart Jam Cookies with golden shortbread and bright red jam, served with a cup of hot tea in a cozy kitchen setting.

No matter how you serve them, Heart Jam Cookies bring a little extra sweetness to any moment. Up next—FAQs to answer all your cookie-baking questions!

FAQs About Heart Jam Cookies

Should you fill thumbprint cookies before or after baking?

For Heart Jam Cookies, you should fill them after baking. This keeps the jam vibrant and smooth, rather than drying out or becoming too sticky in the oven. If you prefer a slightly caramelized jam, you can bake the cookies with the filling, but be sure to stir the jam before using to prevent it from hardening.

What is a heart cookie in Germany?

In Germany, a heart-shaped cookie is often associated with Lebkuchenherzen—a decorated gingerbread cookie popular at Christmas markets and Oktoberfest. Unlike Heart Jam Cookies, these are spiced and decorated with icing rather than filled with jam.

What can I use instead of a heart cookie cutter?

No heart-shaped cutter? No problem!
Use a round glass or jar lid and pinch the top to form a heart.
Cut a paper stencil and trace around it with a knife.
Use a folded piece of aluminum foil to create a DIY cutter.

What are Queen Elizabeth’s favorite cookies?

Queen Elizabeth was known to love classic shortbread cookies, a buttery and crisp treat similar to Heart Jam Cookies. She often enjoyed them with afternoon tea, alongside jam and clotted cream.

Why do my thumbprint cookies spread so much?

Cookies spread when:
The butter is too soft before baking—chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Too much sugar or leavening is added—measure ingredients carefully.
The baking sheet is too warm—use a cool tray for each batch.

Why add cornstarch to cookies?

Cornstarch makes cookies softer and more tender by reducing gluten development. If you love extra melt-in-your-mouth cookies, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the dough!

Now that we’ve answered your questions, let’s wrap things up with a final sweet note!

If you made this recipe, please leave a rating at the bottom of the page! Your feedback is valuable to me and other readers. For more delicious homemade recipes, subscribe to my Newsletter and join me on Pinterest, Facebook and X!

Heart Jam Cookies are the kind of treat that feels just as good to bake as they do to eat. With their buttery shortbread base and sweet, fruity jam center, they bring a little extra love to every bite. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a holiday cookie swap, or just because you need something sweet, they never disappoint.

One of the best parts? They’re simple to make, but they look bakery-worthy. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for any occasion. And if you want to switch things up, try different fillings like Nutella, lemon curd, or even caramel!

These cookies also make a thoughtful homemade gift. Package them in a cute tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, and you’ve got an instant way to brighten someone’s day. (Trust me, no one turns down homemade cookies!)

If you loved these Heart Jam Cookies, you might also enjoy Salted Caramel Macarons—another delicate and elegant treat that’s just as delicious.

Now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite jam flavor for these cookies? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how your batch turned out!

Easy Heart Jam Cookies Recipe

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