Heart-shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies

There’s something truly special about homemade cookies, especially when they’re shaped with love. Heart-shaped jam thumbprint cookies combine the classic charm of buttery shortbread with a delightful burst of fruity jam, making them a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just whenever you want to show someone you care. These cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious, with their golden edges and glossy jam centers inviting you in for just one more bite.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the versatility of the jam you choose. Whether you prefer raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, each jam brings a unique flavor profile to these tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. The thumbprint technique is easy to master—just a gentle press in the center of the dough ball before baking—and it creates the perfect little well for the jam to settle in. This recipe results in cookies that are crisp on the outside yet soft and crumbly inside, with a sweet, tangy jewel at the center.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and your cookie jar with these charming and scrumptious heart-shaped jam thumbprint cookies!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 330g (2 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 120g (1/2 cup) fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Shape the dough into small balls about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking trays, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between each cookie.
Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indent into the center of each dough ball to create a ‘thumbprint’. Be careful not to press all the way through the dough.
Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam. Don’t overfill to prevent spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The jam should be bubbly and set but not burnt.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Recipe Information

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
Difficulty level: Easy

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with sugar.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to handle; it will be easier to shape.
To prevent jam from spreading too much, choose a thicker or seedier jam like raspberry.
Avoid overfilling the thumbprint to keep the cookies neat during baking.
For a festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the cooled cookies before serving.
Variation: Try different jams or even lemon curd for a tangy twist.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
If making ahead, the dough can be prepared and chilled overnight. Bake just before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 140 kcal
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0.5g

Conclusion

These heart-shaped jam thumbprint cookies are an absolute delight to make and share. Their charming appearance coupled with a perfect balance of buttery dough and sweet jam makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warm hearts.

Try pairing them with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon break, or pack them up as a thoughtful homemade gift. Don’t forget to share your cookie-making adventures and favorite jam choices in the comments below — happy baking!