Thumbprint Heart Cookies with Jam Recipe

Introduction

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are a charming and delicious treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Soft buttery dough with a sweet jam center creates a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter (softened, or vegan butter for vegan version)
• 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 egg (or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water for vegan)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup jam of choice (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar on high until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add in the egg (or flax mixture) and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and salt, and blend until a soft dough forms.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1½ inches apart.
6. Step 6: Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball twice to form a heart-shaped indent.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If the indentations have filled in, gently reshape them while still warm.
9. Step 9: Once completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, and use vegan butter.
• Let cookies cool completely before adding jam to prevent it from melting or soaking in.
• Try different jam flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot to vary the taste.
• Double the batch since these cookies tend to disappear quickly!

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If desired, gently reheat before serving to soften. Avoid storing with jam-filled centers for too long to keep the jam fresh and prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the cookies ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until ready to bake. Alternatively, bake the cookies fully and add the jam just before serving to maintain freshness.

What type of jam works best?

Any smooth or slightly chunky jam works well, but raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jams are especially popular for their bright color and balanced sweetness.

Thumbprint Heart Cookies with Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 149 reviews

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion requiring a touch of love. Soft, buttery cookies with a charming heart-shaped indentation filled with your favorite jam offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. This recipe includes a vegan option and tips for optimal results, making it accessible to everyone.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 3⁄4 cup butter, softened (or vegan butter for vegan version)
• 1⁄2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 egg (or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water for vegan alternative)
• 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 tsp salt

Filling

• 1⁄4 cup jam of choice (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg (or flaxseed mixture if vegan) and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it.
5. Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
6. Create Heart Indentations: Use your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon to press twice gently into the center of each dough ball to form an indentation shaped like a heart.
7. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
8. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If the indentations have softened or filled in during baking, gently re-shape them while the cookies are still warm.
9. Add Jam Filling: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center, ensuring the jam does not run over the edges.

Notes

• Vegan option: Substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons water and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
• Jam tip: Always let cookies cool completely before adding jam to prevent it from melting or soaking into the cookie base.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Batch tips: These cookies are so popular they disappear quickly—consider doubling the recipe to have extras ready for sharing or gifting.

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, heart cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies, jam-filled cookies, easy cookie recipe