Shortbread Heart Cookies with Jam

Name: Shortbread Heart Cookies with Jam
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup fruit jam (raspberry or strawberry works well)

Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss

I love making Shortbread Heart Cookies with Jam, especially around special occasions. The blend of buttery shortbread and sweet, tangy jam brings joy to every bite. Each heart-shaped cookie feels like a little gift, perfect for sharing with loved ones. The delicate texture melts in your mouth, making these cookies an irresistible treat. I always make an extra batch for myself because they disappear faster than I can keep up!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T16:14:28.558Z

Making Shortbread Heart Cookies with Jam has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. The rich, buttery flavor paired with the sweet and vibrant jam creates a delightful contrast that I can't resist. I find that using high-quality butter really elevates the taste, making these cookies a hit at gatherings or simply a comforting snack at home.

What I’ve learned is that chilling the dough before baking helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring they keep their lovely heart shape. Every time I bite into one, I’m reminded of the love and care that goes into making these delightful cookies.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Buttery shortbread melts in your mouth
Sweet jam adds a perfect fruity punch
Heart-shaped cookies are perfect for gifting

      

Understanding the Shortbread Base

The shortbread cookie base is essential for achieving the light, crumbly texture you want in your heart cookies. The high fat content from the unsalted butter is what allows the cookies to melt in your mouth. If you substitute with margarine, you may lose some of that signature flavor and texture. Always make sure your butter is at room temperature; this ensures it blends well with the sugar, creating an airy mixture that holds its shape when baked.

Using a good quality vanilla extract elevates the flavor of the shortbread cookies. If you're looking for a twist, you could experiment with almond extract instead, which pairs nicely with the fruit jam. Just remember to reduce the quantity a bit, as almond flavor can be more intense than vanilla. Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role, from the salt that enhances flavors to the type of flour, which affects the cookie's structure.

Key Techniques for Success

Chilling the dough is a critical step for maintaining the shape of your cookies during baking. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much and lose their heart shape. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator; for even better results, you can chill overnight. When you're ready to roll out the dough, make sure your work surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking. If the dough feels too soft, chill it again briefly before rolling.

When cutting out the cookies, it’s best to keep your heart-shaped cutter dipped in flour to ensure clean cuts. For the cut-out cookies, be cautious not to overwork the dough as this can lead to tougher cookies. Lightly handling the dough will keep them tender. Also, keep an eye on baking time; ovens can vary, so your cookies may be ready in as little as 12 minutes or may take up to 15 minutes, depending on your specific oven's heat distribution.

Ingredients

Shortbread Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fruit jam (raspberry or strawberry works well)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until the dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up.

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Add the Jam

After cutting the hearts, use a smaller heart cutter to remove the center of half the cookies. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Once cooled, spread jam on the solid cookies and top with the cookies that have cut-outs.

Final Touch

Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, and enjoy these delightful heart-shaped cookies!

Pro Tips

For a vibrant touch, use different flavors of jam to create a colorful assortment of cookies. Be sure to keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. A lightly golden edge is perfect!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Shortbread Heart Cookies with Jam can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, if you want to keep them fresher for a longer period, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, and they will taste just as delightful as freshly baked.

For serving, these cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. If you're preparing them for an event, consider placing them in decorative boxes or tins to enhance the gifting experience. You can also mix and match the flavors of jam used; try lemon curd or chocolate spread for a creative twist that caters to different palates.

Variations and Customizations

If you're looking to personalize your Shortbread Heart Cookies, consider adding a touch of zest. Incorporating lemon or orange zest into the dough gives a fresh burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the jam beautifully. You may also swap traditional fruit jams for other spreads like Nutella or homemade berry compote, adding a new layer of taste that can surprise your guests.

For those who love a bit of texture, you might experiment with mixing finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, into the cookie dough. This addition not only enhances flavor but also adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth jam. Just ensure to keep an eye on the nut-to-flour ratio, so the cookies maintain their classic shortbread consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, the flavor and texture will differ. Real butter gives the best results.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I use chocolate spread instead of jam?

Absolutely! Chocolate spread makes a delicious alternative, creating a different but equally tasty cookie.

→ What type of jam works best?

Fruity jams like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!