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Whip up adorable heart-shaped treats packed with bright raspberry jam. These buttery shortbread bites mix the classic thumbprint style with a sweet romantic flair, just right for Valentine's Day or whenever you want to show some love.
I've tried these cookies tons of times and found out that watching your temps and giving them enough chill time really makes the difference in getting that perfect heart look.
Must-Have Items
- Butter: Left out to soften (65-70°F)
- Powdered Sugar: Gives that melt-in-your-mouth feel
- All-Purpose Flour: Scoop and level for right amount
- Large Egg Yolk: Not cold from fridge
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Skip the fake stuff
- High-Quality Raspberry Jam: Better without seeds
- Salt: Brings out sweetness
- Optional: Almond Extract - Adds another layer of flavor
Easy Directions
- 1. Mix Your Dough:
- Whip soft butter with powdered sugar until it's fluffy and pale, taking about 3-4 minutes. Drop in the egg yolk and vanilla, stir until they disappear. Slowly add your flour and salt, mixing just enough to form dough. Don't go overboard. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- 2. Form Your Hearts:
- Take the cool dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Push your thumb in the middle, then pinch and shape into hearts with a point at the bottom. Set them on parchment paper with 2 inches between each. Chill these shaped cookies another 30 minutes.
- 3. Add Your Jam:
- Warm up your jam in the microwave for a quick 15-20 seconds so it spreads easier. Put about ½ teaspoon jam in each heart dent, but don't let it spill over the sides. Keep the edges clean.
- 4. Pop Them in the Oven:
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until you see light golden edges. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
- 5. Final Touches:
- When they're totally cool, you can sprinkle the edges with powdered sugar if you want. Wait for the jam to set completely before you stack them up.
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Keeping Them Fresh
Empty cookies stay good in an airtight box for a week. Once you add jam, try to eat them within 3 days. Want to make them ahead? Freeze unfilled cookies in a sealed container up to 3 months. Let them thaw in your fridge overnight and add jam right before serving.
Great Match-Ups
- Warm tea or coffee
- Cold milk
- Bubbly for special times
- Some fresh raspberries
- Small fancy cakes
- Fancy chocolate bites
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Different Jams to Try
- Strawberry spread
- Apricot jelly
- Blackberry jam
- Berry blend
- Fig preserves
- Cherry jam
These cute heart cookies prove you don't need fancy stuff to make something amazing. They'll make anyone smile whether you give them away or keep them all for yourself. Just remember, taking your time with cooling and filling makes all the difference in how pretty they turn out.
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Last Thoughts
Getting these cookies right comes down to watching the little things and keeping everything at the right temperature. Each time you make them, you'll get better at crafting these tasty treats that show someone you care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap in different jam flavors?
- Absolutely! Try strawberry, cherry, or apricot jam for a yummy twist.
- → What's the point of freezing before baking?
- Freezing keeps the hearts from spreading too much and stops the jam from bubbling out.
- → How long will these cookies last?
- They'll stay yummy for about a week on your counter or two weeks if you keep them in the fridge.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Sure thing! You can freeze the shaped cookies. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before you finish the recipe.
- → Are these cookies gluten-free?
- Not as written, but you can swap in a gluten-free flour mix instead of all-purpose flour to make them work for gluten-free folks.