These Heart Centered Jam Butter Cookies are buttery, soft, and just a little crumbly. Delish! Each one has a shiny little heart of jam in the center that makes them feel extra special, even though they’re surprisingly easy to make.
I usually bake these around Valentine’s Day, but honestly, they’re good any time you want something pretty without much fuss. My kids love helping with these — rolling the dough, pressing the heart shape in the middle, and, of course, sneaking a taste of jam when I’m not looking. It’s one of those simple baking projects that turns into a cozy afternoon together.
Anyway, here’s how to make them.
Why You’ll Love These Heart Centered Jam Butter Cookies
- Soft, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth.
- A quick, simple recipe — no fancy tools or steps needed.
- They look adorable with that glossy heart of jam in the middle.
- Perfect for gifting or packing in treat boxes.
- Great for baking with kids or for a quiet, cozy weekend bake.
Ingredients For Heart Centered Jam Butter Cookies
Butter – Softened to room temperature. If it’s still cold, just microwave it for 10 seconds at a time until it’s soft but not melted.
Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness and that light, crisp edge.
Egg – Helps hold everything together.
Vanilla extract – A must for that warm, buttery flavor.
All-purpose flour – Gives structure without making the cookies dense.
Cornstarch – Keeps them tender and soft in the middle.
Salt – Just a small pinch to balance the sweetness.
Jam – Strawberry and raspberry are classic, but you can switch it up with cherry, apricot, or even blueberry.
Exact measurements:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup soft unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp jam (strawberry or raspberry work great!)
How To Make It
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. It should look pale and creamy.
- Add the wet ingredients. Mix in the egg and vanilla until everything’s combined and smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl, then slowly add it to the butter mixture. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Shape the cookies. Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls, then coat each one lightly in sugar. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make the heart shapes. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a heart shape in the center of each cookie. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect – that’s part of the charm.
- Add the jam. Spoon a little bit of jam into each heart indentation.
- Bake. Pop the heart centered jam butter cookies into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges look just barely golden.
- Cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you want, you can add a tiny bit more jam on top while they’re still warm for that glossy look.
Tips & FAQs
Can I skip chilling the dough?
You can, but the cookies might spread a little more. If you want the neat heart shapes, chilling helps a lot.
Can I use different jams?
Absolutely. Any thick jam or preserve works well – just avoid runny ones that might bubble over too much.
How long do they stay fresh?
About 4–5 days in an airtight container. They also freeze really well for up to a month.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes! You can make and chill the dough a day ahead, or even freeze shaped cookies before baking.
Do they need to be perfectly shaped?
Not at all. In fact, the slightly uneven hearts give them that homemade, cozy look that everyone loves.
