Heart Thumbprint Cookies are delightful treats featuring a buttery, almond-scented shortbread base filled with sweet strawberry jam. Their charming heart shape makes them perfect for sharing with loved ones on special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only a handful of common baking ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and easy baking project to enjoy with children.
- Versatile: Ideal for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, wedding showers, or any time you want to show someone a little love.
- Sophisticated Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and tart jam appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup strawberry jam (or jam of your choice)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the almond extract and salt until incorporated.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Form Cookies: Take 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Heart Indentation: Using a kitchen utensil with a rectangular end (like the handle of a spatula), gently press into the center of the dough ball to form a “V” shape. This indentation will expand into a heart shape as the cookie bakes.
- Chill: Place the formed cookies in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help them maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for about 15-17 minutes, or until they are pale but light golden on the bottom.
- Adjust Indentations: Immediately after removing from the oven, if the indentations have puffed up, gently press them down again to maintain the heart shape.
- Prepare Jam Filling: While the cookies cool, heat the strawberry jam until it becomes liquefied. Strain to remove any fruit pieces for a smoother filling.
- Fill Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spoon the prepared jam into the heart-shaped indentations. Allow the jam to set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 20 cookies.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 15-17 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Variations
- Jam Flavors: Experiment with different jams such as raspberry, apricot, or cherry to suit your taste preferences.
- Extracts: Substitute almond extract with vanilla or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the filled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Due to the jam filling, it’s best not to stack them to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Unfilled cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and fill with jam before serving.
FAQs
What type of jam works best for these cookies?
Strawberry jam is a classic choice, but raspberry, apricot, or cherry jams also work well. Choose a jam without large fruit chunks for a smoother filling.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before forming the cookies.
Do I need to strain the jam before filling the cookies?
Heating and straining the jam helps achieve a smoother consistency, making it easier to fill the heart indentations neatly.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
If using salted butter, you can omit the additional salt in the recipe to maintain the desired flavor balance.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the formed cookies before baking helps them retain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Due to the soft jam filling, these cookies are best enjoyed fresh and may not be ideal for shipping.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, adding a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the dough can create a festive appearance for occasions like Valentine’s Day.
How do I prevent the edges of the cookies from cracking?
Ensure the dough is soft and not over-chilled when forming the cookies. Press gently when creating the heart indentations to avoid cracking.
Can I use homemade jam?
Absolutely! Homemade jam can add a personal touch and unique flavor to the cookies.
What can I use to make the heart-shaped indentation if I don’t
Print
Heart Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heart Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, almond-scented shortbread treats with a sweet strawberry jam filling. These charming heart-shaped cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ tsp almond extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup strawberry jam (or jam of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and powdered sugar until combined.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in almond extract and salt.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Form Cookies: Roll 1 tbsp of dough into a ball and place on the baking sheet.
- Create Heart Indentation: Use a spatula handle to press a “V” shape into the dough ball.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate formed cookies for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake: Bake for 15-17 minutes until light golden.
- Adjust Shape: If indentations puff up, press them down again after baking.
- Prepare Jam: Heat and strain jam for a smooth consistency.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon jam into the indentations and let set before serving.
Notes
- Use different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or cherry.
- Substitute almond extract with vanilla or lemon extract for variety.
- To prevent spreading, chill cookies before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
