Description
Heart Jam Cookies are delightful, buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with sweet, fruity jam in the center. These charming treats feature a tender texture with a hint of vanilla, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Perfect for sharing at tea time or gifting during festive occasions, these cookies capture the essence of classic homemade comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (optional, to adjust dough consistency)
Fillings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or your choice)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If the dough feels too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a soft, workable consistency.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill with jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation carefully, avoiding overflow.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use cold butter if you prefer a firmer cookie texture, but soften slightly for easier mixing.
- The optional milk helps adjust dough consistency if your flour absorbs more moisture.
- Feel free to experiment with different jam flavors such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blackberry for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well—place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
