– **Title**: Heart Jam Cookies
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Jam of your choice (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)
– Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms.
6. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Once chilled, roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
8. For half of the cookies, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the centers (these will be the tops).
9. Place the cookies without the centers onto the lined baking sheet, and spoon a small amount of jam into the center of each.
10. Place the cookies with the cut-out centers on top of the jam-filled cookies.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
12. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Enjoy your sweet and delightful Heart Jam Cookies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookies. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in most cases. I often use it for baking without compromising texture.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you need a substitute, you can blend granulated sugar until fine or use coconut sugar for a more natural option.
Unsalted Butter: Gives a rich flavor to cookies. You can swap it with margarine for a dairy-free version or even coconut oil for a unique taste, though it may change the texture slightly.
Fruit Jam: I love using raspberry for its tartness, but strawberry, apricot, or even orange marmalade works too. For a healthier twist, you could use fruit preserves with no added sugar.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shaped Cookies with Jam Indoors?
Shaping the cookies and filling them with jam is key to achieving that lovely heart shape. Here are some tips to make it easy:
- When making the indentations, wet your thumb or spoon slightly to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overfill the jam; just a small teaspoon is enough since it can bubble over while baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so check around the 12-minute mark for perfect edges.
How to Make Heart Jam Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup fruit jam (red or berry-flavored, like raspberry or strawberry)
- Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. In total, you can expect to spend about an hour making these delightful cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla Extract:
Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, add the vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your wet ingredients. Stir it all together until a soft dough forms. If it’s a little crumbly, give it a good mix until it binds nicely into a ball.
5. Shape the Cookies:
Now it’s time to take portions of the dough and roll them into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter. Place these dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one.
6. Create Indentations:
Using your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. You can shape it into a heart or keep it as a small well for the jam.
7. Fill with Jam:
Carefully fill each indentation with your choice of fruit jam. Make sure not to overfill, as the jam may bubble over while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and you see the jam bubbling a little bit.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, carefully remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. (Optional) Dust with Sugar:
If you like, you can dust the cooled cookies with a bit of additional powdered sugar before serving. This adds a lovely touch!
Enjoy your delicious Heart Jam Cookies that are perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite jams or preserves. Just make sure they are thick enough to hold their shape when baked, so options like apricot or blackberry work well too. Avoid very runny jams to prevent overflow during baking!
What if I Don’t Have Powdered Sugar?
If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it’s fine and powdery. Use a similar amount as called for in the recipe. However, keep in mind that your cookies might have a slightly different texture.
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life for about a week!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the prepared dough before baking. Simply wrap the dough balls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw them in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked cookies; just ensure they’re fully cooled before freezing to prevent sticking.
