Heart Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

If you’re looking to sweeten someone’s day or simply indulge in a delightful treat, the Heart Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming, buttery cookies layered with luscious strawberry jam bring together the perfect balance of crumbly texture and fruity sweetness. Made from simple ingredients that combine effortlessly, this recipe creates a batch of irresistible cookies that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon snack, these heart-shaped delights never fail to brighten the mood and impress with their tender crumb and vibrant jam center.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Heart Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe. From the rich butter that gives the dough its melt-in-your-mouth quality to the bright strawberry jam that adds a fruity burst, every component enhances the overall flavor, texture, and appearance.

• Unsalted butter (200 g): Provides a creamy richness and tender crumb to the cookie dough.
• Castor sugar (100 g): Dissolves easily, adding just the right amount of sweetness without graininess.
• Extra-large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the dough’s structure.
• Extra-large egg yolk (1): Adds richness and helps create a softer texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the dough with warm, fragrant notes.
• Cake flour (350 g): The key to a delicate, tender cookie that’s not too dense.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
• Strawberry jam (100 g): The star filling that delivers a burst of fruity sweetness between the cookie layers.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds an elegant, light finish and a subtle extra sweetness.

How to Make Heart Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by softening the unsalted butter at room temperature until it’s smooth and spreadable. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the castor sugar until fluffy and pale, which creates the perfect base for a tender cookie. Next, beat in the egg and the extra egg yolk along with the vanilla extract, combining until everything is nicely incorporated. Finally, sift together the cake flour and salt, then gradually fold these dry ingredients into the butter mixture to form a smooth, soft dough that’s ready to be rolled out.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about 5 millimeters thick. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many shapes as you can. For half of them, use a smaller heart cutter in the center to create a window that will showcase the strawberry jam. This dual cutting process not only adds charm but also creates the classic “face” of these gorgeous cookies.

Step 3: Assemble and Fill

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready when your cookies are. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the solid heart shapes first. Spread a small dollop of strawberry jam onto each one, being careful not to overfill so the jam doesn’t spill during baking. Then, gently place the heart cutouts with the jam-filled windows on top, pressing lightly around the edges to seal them together neatly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn a lovely light golden color around the edges while staying soft and tender. Once done, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents them from becoming soggy and helps the jam set beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and a mild sweetness to the top. This step is not only decorative but also adds a gentle contrast to the vibrant red jam, making these cookies look as delightful as they taste.

How to Serve Heart Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect presentation, dusting these cookies with powdered sugar is your best bet—it adds a snowy, delicate finish. Fresh mint leaves or tiny edible flowers placed alongside can elevate their charm further, especially if serving at a tea party or Valentine’s Day event. If you want to get creative, a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top adds a beautiful contrast and an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

These Heart Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, a mug of rich hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. For an afternoon spread, serve alongside fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries to complement the jam flavor. They’re equally fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

To surprise your guests, try stacking the cookies into a pretty tower or arranging them prettily on a themed platter. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts. Additionally, using different flavored jams like raspberry or apricot in place of strawberry can offer colorful variety and exciting flavor twists while keeping with the heart-shaped fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and tender. They usually stay lovely for up to 4 days, but be mindful that the jam can sometimes cause the cookies to soften a bit over time. Keeping cookie layers separated with parchment paper helps maintain their shape and texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these Heart Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe well in advance, freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. This method helps prevent them from sticking together. Frozen cookies will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies fresh from the oven feel, briefly warm them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes after freezing. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their crisp edges. This gentle reheating revives their buttery aroma and ensures the jam stays delectably soft.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam instead of strawberry?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic and delicious, you can swap it with raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam to give your heart cookies a different fruity twist. Just choose a thick jam for the best results so it doesn’t run during baking.

What if I don’t have cake flour? Can I use all-purpose flour?

If cake flour isn’t available, you can use all-purpose flour, but the cookies might be slightly less tender. To mimic cake flour, remove 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replace it with cornstarch, then lightly sift before measuring.

Is it important to use unsalted butter?

Yes, unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies better. Salted butter often varies in salt content and might make the cookies too salty or change the flavor balance.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You sure can! Wrapping the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating for up to two days helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to handle when rolling out. Just let it come to room temperature briefly before rolling.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?

Be sure not to overfill the cookies with jam and seal the edges gently but firmly. Chilling the assembled cookies for 10 minutes before baking also helps prevent leakage as it firms up the dough around the jam.

Final Thoughts

Making these Heart Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe is like crafting a little piece of happiness you can share with loved ones or savor on your own. The tender buttery dough paired with the vibrant, sweet strawberry jam is a match made in cookie heaven. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the fun of creating these adorable treats, and watch how they bring smiles and warm hearts at every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite.

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