If you are on the hunt for a charming, sweet treat that combines buttery crumbly goodness with a burst of fruity delight, the Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies Recipe is here to brighten your day. This recipe marries the melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic shortbread with the vibrant pop of strawberry jelly nestled right in the center of delicate heart-shaped cookies. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a little self-pampering moment, these cookies are as fun to make as they are irresistible to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a complicated pantry to whip up this stunning batch of Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture, ensuring the cookies are tender, buttery, and perfectly sweetened.
- Butter (1 stick, softened): The star ingredient for that rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy dough when creamed with butter.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds a touch of softness to the cookie texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a subtle nutty depth complementing the strawberry jelly.
- Flour (1 cup): The foundation for a delicate, crumbly shortbread cookie.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Strawberry jelly (10 teaspoons): The sweet, fruity filling that brings life and color to each heart-shaped cookie.
How to Make Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
First things first, line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat to prevent spreading during baking, and clear some fridge space for chilling the dough later. Softening your butter beforehand is key—it should be pliable but not melted, ensuring your dough cremes up beautifully for that tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the softened butter until it lightens significantly in color and becomes fluffy—this is where the magic begins in giving your cookies a delicate crumb. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat, creating a light, airy base for the cookie dough.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Mix in the egg followed by the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and deepen the flavor profile, enhancing the richness of your cookies and complementing the fruity jam filling.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour and salt evenly over your wet mixture. Blend gently with the mixer just until the dough comes together—don’t overmix here, or the cookies will lose their tender crumb. It’s normal for the dough to look a bit crumbly; warm it with your hands by gently pressing the dough into a cohesive ball.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Scoop 2 teaspoons of dough for each cookie, rolling it into neat balls and placing them on your prepared baking sheet. Now comes the fun part—wet your pinky finger with a little flour and press it sideways against each dough ball to carve out half of a heart shape, then repeat to form the other side. Use a tiny 1/4 teaspoon measure to dollop strawberry jelly on each lobe of the heart, filling the center with a total of 1/2 teaspoon of jam for that perfect burst of sweetness.
Step 6: Chill and Bake
Pop your cookie sheet into the fridge for one hour. This chilling step is not to be skipped—it solidifies the butter and slows spreading so the cookies keep their heart shape during baking. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and when the edges just start turning golden on the bottom, remove from the oven to cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your lovely Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies to cool completely on the baking pan to prevent breaking since they’re quite delicate when warm. Once cooled, carefully transfer them to a wire rack or a pretty platter to enjoy and share!
How to Serve Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cookies to enhance their visual appeal and add a touch of extra sweetness. Fresh strawberry slices on the side can also complement the jam’s flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, or pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Their buttery, fruity character works wonderfully alongside light creamy accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies Recipe in a pretty tin or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon as delightful homemade gifts. You could also stack them with wax paper in between layers for a charming cookie tower centerpiece at parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy these sweet hearts well beyond baking day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy their perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your shortbread cookies slightly warm, reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookies soggy or overly soft, detracting from their delicate shortbread texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam besides strawberry?
Absolutely! Raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam all work wonderfully and add their own unique twist to the Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Just use your favorite flavor or whatever you have on hand.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly to shape?
Try warming the dough slightly between your palms as you gently press it together. If it’s still too dry, add a tiny splash of milk or another egg yolk to help bind it without making it sticky.
Why is chilling the dough important for these cookies?
Chilling firms up the butter in the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This helps maintain the perfect heart shape and produces that ideal, tender shortbread texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of equal measure. Just check that your blend contains xanthan gum or other binders to keep the dough from falling apart.
How long will these cookies stay fresh once baked?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain fresh and tasty for up to one week, allowing you to savor them over several days or share with friends without a rush.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about making and sharing the Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies Recipe—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a beautiful treat full of love and sweetness. Whether for holidays, special occasions, or just because, these delightful cookies are sure to become a much-loved staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and watch smiles light up with every bite!
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Jam-Filled Heart Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Cookies with Jam feature a buttery shortbread base shaped into charming heart designs filled with sweet strawberry jelly. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies combine a tender texture with a fruity burst, baked to golden perfection for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 10 teaspoons strawberry jelly (about 1/2 teaspoon per cookie)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat to prevent the shortbread cookies from spreading during baking. Ensure you have space in your refrigerator to chill a cookie sheet.
- Beat Butter: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and beat on high speed with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy, turning from yellow to a paler shade.
- Add Sugar: While continuing to beat, slowly stream in the granulated sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract thoroughly to ensure an even mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle the flour and salt over the dough. Mix with the electric mixer just until the dough starts to come together; it may be crumbly but will form with the warmth of your hands. Scoop 2 teaspoons of dough and roll into balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Heart Shape: Dip your pinky finger in flour and incline it sideways against each dough ball to form half of a heart shape. Repeat with additional flour to create the other half, shaping a complete heart on each cookie.
- Add Jelly Filling: Using a 1/4 teaspoon measure, place jelly on each half of the heart for a total of 1/2 teaspoon jelly per cookie.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the cookies on the baking sheet for 1 hour before baking. This step is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain shape.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges on the bottom start to turn golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet as they are delicate when warm. Once cooled, carefully remove them from the baking sheet and serve.
Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking is essential for maintaining the cookie shape and preventing spreading.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to promote even baking and easy removal.
- If you prefer, you can substitute strawberry jelly with any other fruit jam of your choice.
- Handle the cookies gently when warm as shortbread is delicate and prone to breaking.
- For a stronger almond flavor, consider lightly toasting a few almonds and incorporating their essence or finely chopped almonds into the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
