Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that are just as fun to make as they are to eat. These cookies have a soft, buttery base with a bright, fruity jam center that peeks out from a cute heart-shaped cutout. The mix of tender dough and sticky jam creates a perfect bite that feels like a cozy hug – perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to share a little love.
I love how easy these cookies are to personalize. You can use any jam you like, from strawberry to raspberry or even apricot, and each one brings its own special flavor. I always enjoy letting the jam show through because it adds a pop of color and sweetness without making the cookie too messy or sticky.
One of my favorite ways to serve Heart Jam Valentine Cookies is with a warm cup of tea or a cold glass of milk, making them great for sharing with family or friends. They’re a fun activity to bake with kids, too, because cutting out the heart shapes and choosing the jams makes everything feel extra festive. These cookies always bring smiles and make the kitchen smell wonderful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, tender texture. If you only have salted butter, reduce added salt slightly for balance.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour and baking powder work well here for a soft but structured cookie. Using cake flour could make them too delicate.
Jam: Strawberry or raspberry jam is classic, but feel free to swap with apricot, cherry, or any red berry jam you prefer. I like warming the jam a bit to make spreading easier.
Vanilla & Almond Extract: Vanilla adds warmth while almond extract adds a subtle nutty note. Almond extract is optional, but I find it enhances the jam’s berry flavor nicely.
How Do You Get the Jam to Stay Perfectly Inside the Heart Cutouts?
The jam filling needs a little patience to look neat and not spill over. Here’s what helps:
- Use a small spoon or offset spatula to gently spread warmed jam inside the cutouts.
- Don’t overload — a thin, even layer spreads best and sets well.
- Let the cookies cool fully before applying jam so the dough holds its shape.
- After adding jam, let the cookies rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to let the jam set before moving or stacking.
These steps help keep your jam hearts looking bright and tidy — a key part of the cookie’s charm!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – a medium and large one for dry and wet ingredients; easy to keep things separate and clean.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – this helps you cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy without tiring your arm.
- Rolling pin – for rolling the dough evenly to about ¼ inch thick; smooth results every time.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – essential for making the large whole hearts and smaller cut-out centers.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – stops cookies from sticking and makes clean-up simple.
- Small spatula or butter knife – to gently spread jam inside the cookie cutouts with control.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and keeps bottoms crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try apricot or cherry jam instead of strawberry for a different fruity twist that still pairs well with buttery cookies.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor I like in cooler months.
- Mix in finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a bit of crunch inside the cookie dough.
- Swap almond extract for lemon zest to give the cookies a bright citrus note that wakes up the jam flavor.
Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Filling and Topping:
- ½ cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite red berry jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of chilling time and 8-10 minutes of baking per batch. Allow an additional 30 minutes for the jam to set after spreading. Altogether, plan for roughly 2 hours from start to finish to get perfect, tasty cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this aside for now.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until the mix is creamy and light—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Extracts:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture until everything is fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms with no streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour so it firms up and is easier to work with.
6. Prepare to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll and Cut Cookies:
Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut full heart shapes and place them on the baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. With the remaining dough, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the centers, creating heart outlines. Gently place these on the baking sheet too.
8. Add Sugar and Bake:
Lightly sprinkle the whole hearts with granulated sugar for a little sparkle, then bake all cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges start to turn light golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before handling.
9. Add the Jam:
Warm your jam in the microwave for 15-20 seconds so it spreads easily. Carefully spread the jam inside the hollow centers of the heart-outline cookies without spilling over. If you want, you can spread some jam on the back of a whole heart cookie and sandwich it with a jam-filled outline cookie for a layered treat.
10. Let the Jam Set and Finish:
Allow the jam to set for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Finally, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar, if you like. Now your cookies are ready to share and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and roll out as usual.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Extract?
No worries! Almond extract is optional and can be left out or replaced with an equal amount of extra vanilla extract or a little lemon zest for a fresh twist.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep jam-filled cookies separate or layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies without jam, then add jam after thawing.
Can I Use Different Types of Jam?
Absolutely! Strawberry and raspberry are classics, but apricot, cherry, or blueberry jams also work well. Just choose a jam that’s not too runny for the best result.
