Heart thumbprint cookies put a delightful twist on a classic treat, making them perfect for any occasion. This simple heart jam cookie recipe pairs buttery cookies with sweet jam-filled hearts, making these an ideal choice for Valentine’s Day or sharing with loved ones any time of the year.
2tablespoonscornstarch(optional, please see note 4)
½cupstrawberry jam
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 5 mins or refrigerate for 10 mins on a hot day to make it easier to handle.
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Use your thumb or the handle of a small spoon to gently press two overlapping indentations at the top of each cookie, forming a heart shape.
Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into the heart-shaped indentation of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spillage while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 - 14 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are cool, serve them as a sweet treat for any occasion or store them for later.
Notes
If the dough cracks while shaping the hearts, pinch it back together gently. Alternatively, consider making the indentation as soon as you roll out ball of dough instead of making all the balls before indentation. This way the chances of the dough cracking are reduced.
To prevent the jam from bubbling over, do not over fill.
Use a thick jam. If you find that it's too thick, beat it up with a fork to loosen it up or warm it up slightly in the microwave for easier handling.
The cornstarch in this recipe is optional because the cookies with still turn out amazing without them however, I highly recommend adding it if you want truly melt in your mouth cookies.