Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookie

Heart Jam Cookies are buttery, crumbly treats filled with sweet and tart raspberry jam in the cutest heart shape right on top. They bake up tender and rich with a pop of fruity filling making them perfect as a gift or a sweet way to show someone you care. My daughter made them nearly by herself one year for our anniversary and I will never forget how proud she was to present a plate of hearts—it is a little moment I treasure every time I bake these.

The first time I made these for Valentine’s Day, they disappeared before dinner. Now they are our go to for gifting and celebrating small events all year long.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the cookies sturdy structure without making them dense Use unbleached for a finer crumb
• Cornstarch: creates a delicate texture and helps the cookies keep their shape Look for brands with a silky feel and no off scents
• Salt: just a touch lifts and balances out sweetness Fine sea salt blends smoothly in the dough
• Unsalted butter: builds a rich buttery flavor Pick a fresh high quality option and let it soften completely at room temperature
• Granulated sugar: adds a little crispness and sweetness Opt for classic white sugar with fine crystals
• Light brown sugar: delivers a subtle hint of caramel and keeps the cookies moist Make sure it is soft and not dried out
• Egg yolk: holds the dough together and brings a bit of richness Save the white and use a large fresh egg if possible
• Vanilla extract: gives a warm deep aroma Go for real extract for the best flavor
• Almond extract: adds a hint of nutty background Choose real almond extract if you enjoy its flavor or leave out for a more neutral cookie
• Raspberry jam or raspberry preserves: gives tang and sweetness Use a thick style and pick seedless or seeded based on your preference

When picking your ingredients focus on real butter and pure extracts for the tastiest results Thick jam will stay put and make filling the hearts easier and neater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheets:

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper that fits snugly in the pan This makes it easiest to slide the cookies off and keeps bottoms golden and whole

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour cornstarch and salt together in a medium bowl until evenly combined and lump free

Cream Butter and Sugars:

In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer beat butter with both sugars Use a paddle attachment and start on medium then work up to medium high for about three minutes Mixture should look light and fluffy and smell sweet

Add Egg and Extracts:

Stop and scrape down the bowl Beat in egg yolk real vanilla and almond extract until well mixed and glossy

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Turn mixer to low Add dry ingredients a little at a time Continue mixing until a soft dough forms stopping to scrape the bowl if needed

Shape Dough Balls:

Scoop dough out with a one tablespoon scoop and roll between your palms until very smooth Try for a surface with no cracks these bake up prettiest

Shape the Heart Indents:

Set dough balls two inches apart on prepared sheets Use your pinky or a small spoon to press a heart shape into the top of each one Aim for a deep enough well to hold jam but do not go all the way through

Chill the Dough:

Place entire baking sheets with dough in the freezer for thirty minutes or fridge for one hour This solidifies the fat and prevents cookies from spreading out too much in the oven

Preheat and Prepare Jam:

Heat oven to three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Soften jam by microwaving for fifteen seconds so it becomes runny but not hot

Fill with Jam:

Using a quarter teaspoon or small spoon fill each heart shaped well nearly to the top with about half a teaspoon of jam

Bake:

Place one sheet at a time in oven Bake for ten to twelve minutes until edges just begin to turn golden

Cool:

Let cookies cool on tray for five minutes then transfer to wire racks to finish cooling This keeps the crumb tender and prevents breaking

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These cookies first became special to me when my daughter tried making them for our anniversary She shaped every heart with so much care and even picked out her favorite raspberry preserves Raspberry still reminds me of her proud smile and the happy little mess we made baking together

Storage Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container Keep parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking This way they stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature or two weeks in the refrigerator For longer storage freeze them in a sturdy container for up to three months Let thaw at room temperature for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using apricot cherry strawberry or blackberry jam If you want a nut free version simply skip the almond extract Gluten free flour blends that are meant for baking can also replace all purpose flour but test small batches for the best results Any thick jam or seedless preserve will work just make sure it is smooth and not watery

Serving Suggestions

Arrange on a platter with fresh strawberries or chocolate truffles for a sweet centerpiece Stack in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for teacher or neighbor gifts Serve for Valentine’s Day Mother’s Day or even birthdays as a homemade treat Pair with hot tea or a frothy coffee for a cozy winter break snack

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Cultural or Historical Context

Thumbprint cookies are a well loved treat in many cultures from Swedish hallongrotta to classic American jelly filled holiday cookies This version adds a playful heart twist making them perfect for romantic occasions In our home these signal any celebration of love and the tradition of baking them together always feels meaningful especially around Valentine’s

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of butter is best for these cookies?

Unsalted butter is recommended to control salt levels, and high-quality butter enhances the rich, creamy flavor.

→ Can I use different kinds of jam?

Yes, any smooth jam works well. Raspberry offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet, but cherry, strawberry, or apricot are great alternatives.

→ Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling helps stiffen the dough so cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading, ensuring plump, well-defined cookies.

→ What does cornstarch add to the cookie dough?

Cornstarch gives the cookies a tender crumb and helps maintain thickness by reducing spreading during baking.

→ How can I create the heart shape in the cookie?

Press lightly with your pinky or a small spoon to form a shallow heart indent before baking; it doesn't need to be perfect.

→ Can these cookies be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking or prepare them up to the jam filling step and freeze for later baking.