Heart Jam Valentine Cookies are a sweet and simple way to celebrate love and friendship. These cookies have a soft, buttery texture with a little heart-shaped cutout filled with bright, fruity jam right in the middle. They’re a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to share a little kindness with someone special.
I love making these cookies because they’re not only tasty but also fun to bake. Cutting out the heart shapes and choosing which jam to use is a little moment of joy for me—it feels like putting a small, edible hug into each cookie. My favorite is raspberry jam because its tangy sweetness pairs wonderfully with the buttery cookie dough.
These cookies are great to package up and give as gifts or to bring to a party. They also look adorable on a plate next to a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Making Heart Jam Valentine Cookies is a simple way to spread some love, and I always find that sharing them brightens everyone’s day, including my own.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps cookies hold their shape. If you want a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil, but expect a slight change in texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives a nice crunch and sweetness. You can swap it for coconut sugar for a deeper flavor or use a sugar substitute if cutting down on sugar.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough. For an egg-free cookie, try using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or applesauce.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here. For gluten-free cookies, choose a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check for xanthan gum content for the best hold.
Jam: Raspberry jam is my favorite for its sweet-tart balance. But you can use strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam—whatever you love or have on hand.
How Can I Make the Perfect Heart Cutout Without Cracking the Dough?
Cutting out the heart shape and the smaller window can be tricky if your dough is too warm or dry. Here’s how I get clean cuts and avoid cracks:
- Chill the dough well before rolling. Cold dough is easier to work with and holds shape better.
- Roll the dough evenly on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Not too thin or too thick.
- Use cookie cutters with a gentle twist motion rather than pushing straight down hard.
- After cutting, remove excess dough around shapes carefully so the edges don’t break.
- If dough starts to soften while working, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Use a spatula to transfer cutouts to the baking sheet to keep them intact.
These tips help me keep my cookies looking pretty and perfect for sandwiching with jam!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients smoothly and easily.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and light.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll dough evenly for perfect cookie thickness.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – the bigger for the cookie and smaller for the jam window.
- Baking sheets – flat pans where your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Spatula – for lifting cookies off the work surface without breaking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap raspberry jam for apricot or strawberry for a different sweet fruit taste that pairs well with buttery dough.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor touch perfect for cooler months.
- Try spreading chocolate hazelnut spread instead of jam for a rich, creamy twist kids love.
- Sprinkle finely chopped nuts on top of the jam before sandwiching for a little crunch and texture contrast.
Heart Jam Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to chill the dough and 8-10 minutes for baking. Cooling time is about 15 minutes, so plan for roughly 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
3. Chill and Roll the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. When ready, roll out one disk on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut Out Heart Shapes:
Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts and place them on the prepared baking sheets. With a smaller heart-shaped cutter, carefully cut out the center of half of the hearts to create a window. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar around the edges of these cut-out hearts for a lovely sparkle.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake both the solid hearts and the heart-cutouts for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Assemble the Cookies:
Once cooled, spread about a teaspoon of raspberry jam onto each whole heart cookie. Gently press the heart-cutout cookies on top to create a sandwich, allowing the jam to show through the window.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the jam set a little before serving or packing. Then enjoy your beautiful, tasty Heart Jam Valentine Cookies!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Dough?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to ensure the dough mixes well. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Can I Substitute Different Types of Jam?
Absolutely! Raspberry jam is classic, but feel free to use strawberry, apricot, blueberry, or any jam you prefer. Just make sure the jam isn’t too runny to avoid soggy cookies.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store your Heart Jam Valentine Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge—but let them come back to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting.
