“These cookies are a holiday favorite, perfect for any sweet-toothed loved ones in your life.”
When I bake, I often try to find ways to combine simplicity with flavor. These Jam Heart Cookies appreciate that philosophy beautifully. They fill your kitchen with a warm aroma, and when you bite into one, the combination of buttery cookie and sweet jam is a delightful experience. Whether it’s for a party or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth.
Table of Contents
Why are These Jam Heart Cookies Perfect for any Occasion?
“Because they are not just cookies; they are little bundles of love and joy.”
These Jam Heart Cookies are wonderful to make during any season, thanks to their adaptable flavors and festive appearance. They are especially popular around holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, as a symbol of love, making them a go-to treat for any festive gathering. The bright, fruity jam at the center contrasts beautifully against the buttery cookie, not just in taste but in visuals too, making them delightful to look at. Made with simple, readily available ingredients, they bring everyone together in the kitchen, offering a fun activity for families or friends. Pair them with a refreshing salad like Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad for a delightful treat.
What Makes This Recipe for Jam Heart Cookies Unique?
“The use of a comforting almond extract adds a unique flair to these cookies that makes them stand out.”
Substitutions and Flavors
For those who enjoy customizing recipes, substituting the jam or even the extract can lead to surprise flavors. For instance, using a different jam, like apricot or strawberry, presents a fresher taste profile. You can even try using a well-balanced peanut butter instead of a jam to make unexpected but delicious cookies.
Shaping the Dough
Shaping the dough into hearts not only makes the cookies visually striking but also adds a layer of sweetness, ideal for gifting or sharing. The heart shape signifies affection, making these cookies perfect tokens at any gathering.
A Little Extra Love
Consider finishing off your cookies with a light dust of powdered sugar or drizzling a simple icing to enhance the colors. It adds that extra touch, making the heart shape even more appealing and tempting.
What Ingredients Do You Need to Prepare Jam Heart Cookies?
“The ingredients are common and easy to find, making these cookies accessible for everyone.”
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (226 g), room temperature |
| Granulated Sugar | ½ cup (100 g) |
| Egg Yolks | 2 large, room temperature |
| Almond Extract | ½ teaspoon (or vanilla) |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2¼ cups (281 g) |
| Raspberry Jam | ½ cup (or any flavor jam or jelly) |
| Granulated Sugar (for rolling) | ¼ cup (50 g) |
The ingredients are straightforward, emphasizing butter, sugar, and affectionate flavors, making them enjoyable to prepare. Butter serves as the backbone of the cookies, providing creaminess, while jam brings a lovely burst of flavor at the final moment.
How Can You Make Jam Heart Cookies Step-by-Step?
“Creating these cookies is simple and fun, making them great for bakers of all levels.”
Step 1: Preheat and Beat
Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which may take about two minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to soft cookies.
Step 2: Adding Other Ingredients
Add in the egg yolks, almond extract, and salt to the mixture, and mix until everything is well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to this mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing, which could toughen your cookies. You want a soft and slightly sticky dough.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Nutritional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10-12 minutes | 25-30 minutes | 24 cookies | Approx. 140 calories per cookie |
Step 3: Shaping and Chilling the Cookies
Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and shape it into a ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing about 1.5 inches of space in between. Then, make two indentations in the center of each dough ball and fill them with round dollops of raspberry jam, approximately ½ teaspoon each. Pop the tray in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
This chilling process is essential as it prevents spreading and keeps those beautiful cookie shapes intact.
What Variations Can You Try and How Do You Serve Them?
“These cookies can be customized in numerous ways, expanding their appeal.”
Diet swap
If you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, or the texture may suffer.
Flavor variation
Experimenting with the jam flavor can take these cookies to the next level. Using lemon curd instead of raspberry jam will give a refreshing zing, while chocolate hazelnut spread offers a rich experience. These different jams or spreads can be delightful surprises for friends and family who may think they know the flavor. Consider pairing with a refreshing smoothie like Banana Chamomile Tea Smoothie for a delightful treat.
Serving idea
These cookies make perfect gifts when packaged in a beautiful box or wrapped in colorful paper to celebrate occasions. They are great for holiday cookie trays or simply as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
| Suggested Pairings |
|---|
| Tea |
| Coffee |
| Iced Lemonade |
Final thoughts
Jam Heart Cookies embody the spirit of comfort and warmth, perfect for any celebration or casual afternoon. With their rich buttery flavor combined with the sweet and fruity jam, these cookies are sure to win over hearts. They offer a simple yet enjoyable baking process, and with the various options for flavors, you can create a cookie that reflects your personality.
Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days, although I doubt they’ll last that long! Share your creations on Pinterest and inspire others with your cookie magic. Check out my Pinterest for more delicious recipes!
FAQ
How do I make my cookies softer?
To achieve a soft texture in your Jam Heart Cookies, be sure not to overmix your dough once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Additionally, ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, these cookies can be frozen! To freeze, place them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. You can freeze them before or after baking, and they will keep well for up to three months.
What can I substitute for egg yolks?
If you are looking to make a vegan option, you can substitute each egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, allow to thicken for 5 minutes).
How can I keep my cookies from spreading?
Chilling your dough is a key factor in preventing spreading, so make sure to refrigerate the shaped cookies for at least 10-15 minutes before baking. Also, ensure that your butter is just softened, not melted.
What jams work best in these cookies?
While raspberry jam is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors like strawberry or apricot. Any thick fruit spread can work well, making it easy to customize based on your preference.
Delicious Jam Heart Cookies
These delightful Jam Heart Cookies offer a perfectly balanced combination of buttery crumb and fruity sweetness. Perfect for special occasions or cozy snack times at home.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or any flavor jam or jelly)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about two minutes.
- Add the egg yolks, almond extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring gently to avoid overmixing, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough, shape it into a ball, and roll in granulated sugar. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between.
- Make two indentations in each dough ball and fill with about ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to hold shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Notes
Customize the jam flavor or try peanut butter instead of jam for a different taste. Finish with powdered sugar or icing for added appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
No comment yet, add your voice below!