If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that looks as good as it tastes, these Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are it. Buttery, tender, and filled with sweet jam, they’re as delightful to make as they are to eat. The cute heart shape in the center makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just showing someone you care — even if that someone is you.
The first time I made them, it was on a snowy February afternoon. My kitchen smelled like butter and sugar, and my kids were helping press their thumbs into the dough (a little too enthusiastically). We filled the centers with strawberry jam and baked until golden. The result? Soft, crumbly cookies with shiny hearts of jam in the middle — simple, homemade perfection. Since then, they’ve earned a permanent place on our cookie tray, right beside my Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies and Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints.
Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt to form a soft dough.
- Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press two angled indentations to form a heart shape. Adjust with your fingers if needed.
- Spoon a small amount of jam into each heart. Don’t overfill — the jam will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are classic, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. The buttery dough pairs perfectly with the fruity jam filling, and the heart shape adds a touch of love to every batch. They’re a wonderful baking project for kids, make adorable gifts, and store beautifully for several days.
If you love homemade treats like my Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes or Almond Flour Banana Bread, this recipe will bring the same cozy, feel-good baking vibes right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup strawberry jam (or raspberry, apricot, or any favorite flavor)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Melted white or dark chocolate for drizzling
If you love sweet bakes with a touch of creativity, these cookies have the same spirit as my Cottage Cheese Flagels — simple ingredients that create something beautiful and memorable.
How to Make Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla, then mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Make the Heart Shape
Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, press two indentations at an angle to form a heart. Adjust gently with your finger if needed.
Step 5: Fill with Jam
Spoon a small amount of jam into each heart indentation. Be careful not to overfill — the jam will spread slightly as the cookies bake.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Just like my Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake, these cookies prove that simplicity and care in the details make all the difference.
Tips for Perfect Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter: It creams better and creates a soft dough.
- Chill if needed: If the dough feels sticky, chill for 20 minutes before shaping.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies should stay pale in the center for a tender texture.
- Warm the jam: If it’s too thick, microwave it for a few seconds to make filling easier.
These little touches, like when baking my Cottage Cheese Egg Bites, help guarantee that perfect texture every time.
Variations You’ll Love
- Raspberry Lemon Hearts: Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest to the dough and use raspberry jam.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Hearts: Fill with Nutella instead of jam for a rich twist.
- Almond Thumbprints: Add a drop of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor.
- Glazed Finish: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.
Just like my Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche, this recipe is endlessly adaptable — once you master the base, you can make it your own.
How to Store and Gift
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Gifting: Stack cooled cookies in a clear jar or box lined with parchment — they make the sweetest homemade gifts.
Like my Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake, these cookies are all about warmth, nostalgia, and comfort — a simple recipe that feels special every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What jam works best for thumbprint cookies?
Thicker jams like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work best because they don’t run while baking.
2. How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t melted, and if your dough feels soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes before baking.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
4. Can I use store-bought dough?
You can, but homemade dough gives the best texture and buttery flavor.
The Final Bite
These Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are as pretty as they are delicious — buttery, sweet, and filled with jammy love. Every bite melts on your tongue, with the rich cookie base and sweet filling creating the perfect balance.
They’re a classic treat that never goes out of style, simple enough for beginners but elegant enough for gifts or special occasions. Bake them once, and they’ll become a yearly tradition in your kitchen.