Jam Heart Cookies

JAM HEART COOKIES

I’m sure you’ve seen Jam Heart Cookies all over Pinterest lately and I can see why they have gone so viral. They’re easy to make, taste delicious and they look so pretty. The biscuit is a simple shortbread cookie recipe with only a handful of ingredients and the centre is strawberry jam. This is a versatile cookie because you can change out the flavour of the jam to orange, raspberry or lemon curd. You could even remove the jam completely and replace with Nutella, Cookie butter spread or white chocolate spread. That’s the great thing about shortbread, it’s has a simple buttery flavour so it pairs really well with pretty much any flavour.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE JAM HEART COOKIES

1. Buttery and Tender Texture: Jam heart cookies are made with a buttery and crumbly shortbread cookie dough that melts in your mouth. It’s a simple recipe to follow and only have a few ingredients.
2. Sweetness Balanced with Tartness: The jam in the center introduces a fruity sweetness which balances perfectly with the buttery cookie.
3. Versatility in Jam Flavours: You can customise your jam heart cookies with your favourite jam flavours. I chose a classic strawberry jam but you could use raspberry or blackberry. In the summertime a lemon flavoured cookie would be perfect
4. Charming Heart Shape: The heart shape adds a touch of personality to the cookies, making them visually appealing. These would be a great gift for a friend or loved one.
5. Nostalgic Appeal: Many people have fond memories of enjoying similar cookies in their childhood, creating a sense of nostalgia and evoking warm feelings with each bite.
6. Pairs Well with Tea or Coffee: The sweet cookie and fruity jam makes jam heart cookies a perfect addition to a cup of tea or coffee. They are a great afternoon tea snack.

HOW TO MAKE JAM HEART COOKIES

These cookies are surprisingly easy to make and they taste absolutely divine. They take like a simple butter shortbread with a sticky, strawberry jam centre.

1. Start by whisking the butter and sugar together until it becomes creamy. Be sure to use softened butter by either leaving it to come to room temperature or microwaving it for a few seconds to soften.
2. Then add in an egg yolk and the vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined.
3. Add in the plain flour and fold until combined; you may have to use your hands to combine and bring the dough together. Also, be sure to sift the plain flour because this will allow you to have a lump free dough.
4. Once you have formed the dough, roll small dough balls and place on a lined baking tray. Don’t skip the greaseproof paper because it will make it so much easier to remove the cookies from the baking tray.

SHAPE

1. To achieve the heart shape in the middle of the cookie, flatten the dough balls with your hand slightly. Then use your index finger to create two indentations which should look like a heart. I’ve posted my video above which demonstrates how to do this if you’re unsure.
2. Once all of the cookies have their indentations, fill them with your jam of choice. I personally went for strawberry because it is a classic food combination but any flavour will do. They will also be different colours based on your preference which will be fun.
3. Then place the cookies into a pre-heated oven at 170°C for 15 mins. They should appear slightly golden around the edges and the jam will be a deeper colour.
4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before placing on wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or completely cool, they’ll taste great either way and even more so with a cup of tea.

TOP TIPS FOR THE PERFECT JAM HEART COOKIES

1. Flour Your Work Surface:
   • When rolling out the dough, lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Too much flour can dry out the dough, so use it sparingly.
2. Even Dough Thickness:
   • Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. This results in jam heart cookies that are both aesthetically pleasing and consistent in texture.
3. Choose the Right Jam:
   • Experiment with different flavours of jams and preserves. Consider the colour and thickness of the jam to achieve the best visual impact.
4. Avoid Overfilling:
   • Place a small amount of jam in the centre of each full heart to avoid overfilling. This prevents the jam from spreading too much during baking.

MORE TIPS

1. Bake at the Right Temperature:
   • Preheat your oven and bake the cookies at the recommended temperature. Baking at the right temperature ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
2. Cool on the Baking Sheet:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking.
3. Store Properly:
   • Store the Jam Heart Cookies in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help prevent the cookies from drying out.
4. Share the Love:
   • These cookies are perfect for sharing. Whether as a gift or a delightful addition to a gathering, spreading the love is what Jam Heart Cookies are all about.
5. Have Fun:
   • Have fun with shapes and sizes. Consider making mini Jam Heart Cookies or experimenting with different cookie cutter designs to add a creative twist.

RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Crumbl Cookies – Crumbl Cookies recipe – My Simple Eats

Single Serve Cookie – Single Serve Cookie – My Simple Eats

M&M Cookies – M&M Cookies – My Simple Eats

CONCLUSION

The combination of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and that burst of fruity jam is the perfect autumnal treat. These are also a great gift idea because they look and taste amazing and don’t require too many ingredients or time. Be sure to store these cookies properly in an airtight container because you don’t want them to dry out. Happy Baking!