The Best Jam Cookies

Hi, I’m Salma. I’m 32 years old and living in the United States, and my love for cooking grew from simple curiosity into something that feels like a lifelong passion. My dad has always been my ultimate taste-tester — never shy about giving honest (and often hilarious) feedback after every bite. Our kitchen memories are filled with laughter, shared meals, and heartwarming moments. Try it and tell me — would your dad have gone back for seconds too?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These heart-shaped jam cookies aren’t just pretty — they’re practical too. The dough is forgiving, easy to work with, and the cookies store wonderfully for several days. You can make them ahead of time, so they’re ready whenever you want to serve something homemade and impressive.

Plus, they’re totally customizable. Use any jam flavor you love — raspberry, apricot, fig, or cherry — and change the center cutout shape depending on the season. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks creativity and brings a little joy to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): gives that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Icing sugar (¾ cup, sifted, plus extra for dusting): adds light sweetness and a smooth finish.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): balances the flavor and enhances the butteriness.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): adds warmth and depth.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups, sifted, plus extra for rolling): forms the tender base of the dough.
• Strawberry jam (½ cup): the bright, fruity heart of every cookie.

Directions

1. Cream the butter and sugar. Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, icing sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy — about 3 minutes. You’ll see it turn pale and creamy.
2. Add the flour. Gradually mix in the sifted flour until a soft dough begins to form. It should come together but not be sticky.
3. Chill the dough. Remove from the bowl, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up, making the dough easier to roll.
4. Roll it out. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. If it sticks, sprinkle a little extra flour on your surface or rolling pin.
5. Cut the cookies. Use a 3-inch round cutter for the base cookies. For the tops, use the same cutter but cut a small heart (or other shape) out of the center. Reroll scraps as needed.
6. Bake. Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the edges are just golden. Let them cool completely before assembling.
7. Assemble. Dust the tops (the ones with the cutouts) with icing sugar. Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on each bottom cookie, then sandwich with a cutout cookie on top. The jam will peek through beautifully!

Cultural or Technique Note

These cookies are inspired by classic Linzer cookies, a traditional Austrian treat. The American twist here lies in the simplicity of the shortbread and the playful heart-shaped cutout — a nod to Valentine’s baking traditions. Their elegant look and simple flavor make them timeless across many kitchens.

Serving Suggestions

These heart-shaped jam cookies are as versatile as they are beautiful. Here are some ways to enjoy or share them:

• With a cup of hot tea or coffee: Their buttery sweetness pairs perfectly with warm drinks, especially a cozy mug of Earl Grey or cappuccino on a chilly afternoon.
• Wrapped in a gift box for loved ones: Stack them neatly between parchment layers, tie with a ribbon, and you have a heartfelt homemade gift that looks as special as it tastes.
• On a holiday dessert platter: Add them to your cookie tray beside chocolate truffles and sugar cookies — their heart centers add a pop of color and charm.
• As a sweet snack after dinner: A light, fruity bite to end the meal without being overly rich — perfect for weeknight indulgence.
• For brunch or afternoon tea: Serve alongside scones, fresh fruit, and whipped cream for an elegant treat.
• Party favors or bake sale treats: Their pretty heart shapes and dusting of sugar make them irresistible on display.

Pro Tips for Success

Here are a few simple tricks that make all the difference when baking The Best Jam Cookies:

• Use high-quality jam: Since the jam is front and center, choose one with real fruit and minimal added sugar for the best flavor and color.
• Soften your butter properly: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking — this ensures the dough blends smoothly and the cookies stay tender.
• Always sift your flour and sugar: This small step helps your dough stay light and uniform, giving you that perfect shortbread texture.
• Work quickly when rolling: Because this dough is rich in butter, it softens fast. If it becomes too sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Chill between steps: Chilling not only helps with clean cookie edges but also prevents spreading in the oven.
• Experiment with shapes and jams: Use stars, flowers, or seasonal cutters, and swap in raspberry, apricot, or cherry jam for variety.
• Dust after baking: Always add your powdered sugar once cookies are cool, or it’ll melt into the surface.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple cookies have a few tricks! Here’s how to keep yours picture-perfect every time:

• ⚠️ Overmixing the dough: Too much mixing develops gluten and makes cookies tough. Stop as soon as the dough comes together.
• ⚠️ Skipping chill time: Chilling firms the butter, which helps keep the cookies from spreading and keeps those heart shapes crisp.
• ⚠️ Using cold butter: It won’t cream properly, so the dough may not hold together. Room temperature is key.
• ⚠️ Overbaking: These cookies should stay pale and delicate — golden edges are enough. Overbaking will make them dry.
• ⚠️ Adding too much jam: A thin layer is all you need. Too much causes leaking and can make the cookies soggy.
• ⚠️ Stacking before cool: Warm cookies are fragile — always let them cool fully before assembling or storing.

Storage & Reheating

These cookies store wonderfully, making them perfect for gifting or preparing ahead:

• Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful.
• Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw uncovered at room temperature.
• Reheat: You don’t really need to reheat them, but if you like them slightly warm, place them in a low oven (about 250°F) for 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it can make them soft.
• Assembled vs. unassembled: You can freeze baked cookies and add the jam later for extra freshness when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a different flavor of jam?
Definitely! Raspberry, cherry, apricot, or even fig jam are all delicious options. Each brings its own unique sweetness and color to the cookies.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 2 days ahead. Just bring it to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling it out.

Q3: Can I skip the cutout design?
Of course. You can make simple sandwich cookies without the heart cutout — they’ll still be buttery, delicious, and just as elegant.

Q4: How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Make sure the cookies are completely cool before spreading the jam, and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A small piece of parchment between layers can also help maintain crispness.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. These cookies double beautifully — just be sure to chill each batch of dough properly, and rotate trays in the oven for even baking.

Closing Paragraph

These heart-shaped jam cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. They’re elegant yet comforting, festive yet timeless. Whether you bake them for a celebration or just because, their buttery texture and sweet jam center will bring smiles every single time.

Final Thoughts

Every time I bake these, I’m reminded of how joy can come from the simplest things — butter, sugar, flour, and love. They’re the kind of cookies that make an ordinary afternoon feel like a celebration. I hope they become a sweet little tradition in your kitchen, too.