If you’re looking for quick Valentine cookies that are both adorable and delicious, these Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect choice! With a soft, buttery texture and a sweet jam filling, these valentine heart cookies with jam are ideal for gifting, decorating, or sharing with loved ones.
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Whether you’re searching for valentine cookies gift ideas or simply want to make easy things to bake for Valentine’s Day, these cookies will impress.
Plus, they require just a few ingredients and are so simple to decorate, making them one of the best valentine cookies decorated with love!
Why You’ll Love These Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re looking for a quick and fun Valentine’s Day treat, these Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a must! Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look so festive with their heart-shaped indent filled with sweet strawberry jam.
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love them:
Easy to make – These cookies come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect if you’re looking for quick Valentine cookies.
- Perfect for gifting – Looking for Valentine cookies gift ideas? These heart-shaped cookies are perfect for packaging up and sharing with friends, family, or that special someone.
- Customizable – You can play around with different jam flavors if strawberry isn’t your favorite or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for extra sweetness.
- Great for decorating – These cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity! Add a little sprinkle of powdered sugar or make them even more festive with some colored sprinkles. The possibilities are endless.
You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to make valentine cookies decorated with a personal touch.
How to Make Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are easy to make and super delicious! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfect cookies in no time.
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add an egg yolk and salt and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add all-purpose flour and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into evenly sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press into each ball, creating a heart-shaped indent.
Add the Jam Filling
Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into each heart-shaped indent. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam may spill over during baking.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden.
Give the cookies a few minutes to rest on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool entirely.
Once the cookies have cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! These Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies make the perfect treat for any occasion.
How to Store & Keep These Cookies Fresh
After baking, you’ll want to store your Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies so they stay fresh. Here’s how:
- Room temperature – These cookies will last about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freezer – If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Chill the dough if needed: If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, don’t worry! Just pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll into perfect balls.
- Get creative with jam: While strawberry jam is a classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry. Each will give your cookies a slightly different flavor profile!
- Make your indents gently: When pressing your thumb (or spoon) into the dough, make sure not to press too hard. You want the indent to hold the jam but not go all the way through the cookie.
- Don’t overfill the jam: A little goes a long way! Just a small spoonful of jam in each cookie will be enough. If you overfill, the jam can bubble over while baking, which can make a mess.
- Perfect your baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. When the edges turn golden, they’re done! The middle will firm up as the cookies cool.
- Add a finishing touch: For an extra special touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate.
- Double the batch: If you’re planning to share these cookies or give them as gifts, consider doubling the recipe. These Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies freeze really well, so you can enjoy them for weeks to come, or give them to loved ones on special occasions!
What to Serve with Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Here are some ideas to make your spread even more delicious:
Tea or Coffee
The classic pairing for cookies! A warm cup of herbal tea (like chamomile or raspberry) or a rich coffee complements the sweetness of the jam-filled cookies. Try a latte or cappuccino if you want something creamier. The warmth of the drink balances the soft, sweet texture of the cookies.
Fruit Salad
Pair your cookies with a refreshing fruit salad. The bright, fresh flavors of mixed berries, citrus fruits, or even sliced apples bring a light and tangy contrast to the sweet jam in your cookies. It’s a nice balance of sweetness and freshness.
Vanilla Ice Cream
For a dessert-worthy treat, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream pairs wonderfully with the chewy texture of the cookies, and you can even drizzle a little extra strawberry jam over the top for added sweetness.
Chocolate Milk
If you want to make it a nostalgic, indulgent treat, serve your cookies with a glass of chocolate milk. The rich, chocolatey flavor enhances the sweetness of the cookies and creates a perfect comfort food pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different jam for my Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam is a classic choice, Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are incredibly versatile. You can switch it up with any jam you love, such as raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry. The key is to use a thick, spreadable jam so it doesn’t spill over while baking.
What are Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are delicious, buttery cookies with a unique heart-shaped indent in the center, filled with sweet jam. They’re often made for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, but their delightful combination of soft dough and fruity jam makes them perfect for any time of year.
Can I add other toppings to my Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to get a little extra creative, you can sprinkle your cookies with finely chopped nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts, before baking. You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top.
Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies – The Best Valentine Cookies to Bake!
Ingredients
- 1 cup 230g unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup 100g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Whip the softened butter and sugar until the texture is airy and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg yolk and salt, then gradually add the flour until the dough comes together. If it feels a bit too soft, just pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up.
- Form the dough into balls and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use your thumb to gently press a heart-shaped indent in the center of each cookie.
- Spoon a small dollop of strawberry jam into each indent—just enough to fill it without overflowing.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once they’re cooled, enjoy these sweet, heart-shaped treats!
Notes
- If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will simplify handling and improve workability.
- Be careful not to overfill the indents with jam to avoid spills while baking. A small spoonful is all you need!
- The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. You'll know they're done when the edges have a subtle golden tint.
