If you’re looking to add a dose of sweetness and charm to your cookie repertoire, this Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. These delightful treats combine tender buttery dough with a jewel-like dollop of vibrant jam right in the center, creating the perfect balance of soft texture and fruity brightness. They’re as visually adorable as they are delicious, making them ideal for gifting, special occasions, or simply brightening up your tea time. Once you try this Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe, you’ll find it hard to resist baking them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is delightfully simple, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting cookies with the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the rich butter that gives them a melt-in-your-mouth crumb to the choice of jam that brings that pop of fruity sweetness, every element contributes to making these cookies so special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 226g): Softened for easy creaming, it provides that rich, tender base for your cookies.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup or 135g): Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy dough.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic depth that enhances the buttery flavor.
- Almond extract (1/4 tsp, optional): Offers a subtle nutty note that elevates the cookie’s complexity.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups or 250g): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- Seedless jam or preserves (1/2 cup): Choose raspberry, strawberry, or cherry for a bright, glossy heart center that bursts with flavor.
How to Make Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off cleanly without sticking. This step sets the stage for perfectly shaped cookies that bake up just right.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer to combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration is key to creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 3: Add the Extracts
Pour in the vanilla extract along with almond extract if you’re using it. Give everything another good mix and be sure to scrape the sides of your bowl so that no flavor gets left behind. The extracts add those subtle, inviting notes that make each bite more memorable.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour and salt to your wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Stir just until everything comes together into a soft, cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix here because you want your cookies tender, not tough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Then gently press each ball into a thick disc shape. Arrange the discs on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them so they have room to spread without touching.
Step 6: Make the Heart Indentation
Here’s where the fun begins! Use the rounded edge of a heart-shaped cookie cutter to press a shallow heart into each dough disc. No cutter? No problem—just press twice with the side of your thumb in a heart-like shape to create that charming indentation.
Step 7: Fill with Jam
Carefully spoon or pipe a small amount of your chosen seedless jam into each heart indentation. Fill just to the top, being mindful not to overfill and cause messy spillover during baking. This bright pop of jam is what makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
Step 8: Bake
Pop your trays into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Watch the centers—they should remain soft and vibrant without browning. This ensures a tender cookie with a luscious jam center.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking to let them set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This finishing step makes them easier to handle and keeps them from breaking apart, preserving their sweet heart shape.
How to Serve Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar over cooled cookies adds a delicate snowy finish that highlights the vibrant jam heart perfectly. For an extra touch of elegance, try decorating with a tiny fresh mint leaf beside each jam-filled center.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like a spiced chai latte or classic hot cocoa, making dessert moments cozy and indulgent. They also brighten up a brunch buffet alongside fresh fruit or a creamy cheese platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe on a tiered serving tray or in a rustic wicker basket lined with a pretty napkin. For festive occasions, tie a bunch with a ribbon or package them in clear bags with decorative tags to gift the joy of baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and tender for up to 4 days, keeping that delightful jam center soft and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by shaping and placing them on a tray, then transferring them to a freezer bag after firm. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This revives the buttery softness and makes the jam center even more scrumptious.
FAQs
Can I use any type of jam for this Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Seedless jams like raspberry, strawberry, or cherry work best to create that smooth heart center without seeds interfering with the texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors for unique twists.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Not at all! Almond extract is optional and adds a lovely nutty undertone, but your cookies will still be delicious if you skip it. Vanilla extract alone provides enough flavor to keep these treats heavenly.
How do I prevent the jam from spilling over the cookies while baking?
Filling the heart indentation just to the top, not overflowing, helps prevent messes. Using thicker jams or preserves also reduces spreading. Additionally, gentle pressing of the jam into the indentation ensures it stays put.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped well to prevent drying out. Bring it to room temperature before shaping for easier handling.
Why do the cookies need to cool on the baking sheet before moving?
Cooling them briefly on the hot baking sheet helps the cookies firm up so they don’t break when transferring. It also allows the jam center to set nicely, preserving those beautiful heart shapes.
Final Thoughts
This Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe is a heartwarming way to blend simple ingredients into a treat that feels uniquely special. Whether for holidays, gifting, or just an everyday pick-me-up, these cookies bring joy with every bite. So don your apron, pick your favorite jam, and dive in—your new favorite cookie is waiting to be made!
Print
Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These charming Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly sweetened bites filled with your favorite seedless jam. With a delicate heart-shaped indentation filled with raspberry, strawberry, or cherry preserves, they make an ideal treat for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup seedless jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or cherry)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the Extracts: Blend in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then gently flatten into a thick disc. Place discs on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches between them.
- Make the Heart Indentation: Use the rounded edge of a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to press a shallow heart in the center of each disc. If you don’t have a cutter, press twice with the side of your thumb to form a heart shape.
- Fill with Jam: Carefully spoon or pipe a small amount of chosen seedless jam into the heart indentation, filling just to the top to avoid overflow while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft and unbrowned.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack and cool completely before serving to prevent breaking.
Notes
- Use seedless jam or preserves to prevent seeds from interfering with smooth jam filling.
- Softened butter helps achieve a creamy texture when creamed with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and crumbly.
- Space cookies properly on the baking sheet to allow even heat circulation and prevent sticking.
- Filling the heart indentation just to the top avoids jam overflow and mess during baking.
- Cool cookies completely on a wire rack to firm up and hold their shape.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
