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These irresistibly easy Valentine’s Day cookies filled with strawberry jam are perfect for sharing a little homemade love. They bring a delightful balance of buttery sweetness and fruity brightness wrapped in charming heart shapes that make any celebration extra special.
I first made these cookies on a quiet Valentine’s evening and found that everyone adored the way the jam oozed gently between the layers. Now these have become a go-to for any occasion when I want something sweet but thoughtful.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Two and a quarter cups choose a trusted brand like King Arthur for consistent baking results
- Baking powder: Half a teaspoon helps the cookies rise just enough without getting cakey
- Confectioners sugar: Two tablespoons of sifted confectioners sugar ensures a smooth dough and a touch of sweetness
- Salt: Quarter teaspoon balances the flavors in the dough wonderfully
- Cinnamon: Quarter teaspoon brings a warm subtle spice perfect for pairing with strawberry jam
- Unsalted butter: Half a cup softened use a high-quality butter like Kerrygold for rich flavor and smooth texture
- Sugar: Quarter cup sweetens the dough while adding structure
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough
- Egg: One large binds the ingredients while keeping the dough tender
- Strawberry jam: One and a quarter cups Smucker's brand is a good choice for its classic flavor and spreadability
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour baking powder salt cinnamon and confectioners sugar in a medium bowl. Break up any lumps to create a smooth base for the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy about two to three minutes. This step is crucial for tender crumb and a lovely mouthfeel.
- Add Vanilla and Egg:
- Beat in vanilla extract and egg into the butter mixture until everything combines smoothly and forms a creamy batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Take care not to overmix to keep the cookies tender and prevent toughness.
- Chill Dough:
- Divide the dough in half shape each into a flat disk wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least two hours. Chilling firms up the dough making rolling and cutting easier.
- Roll and Cut Cookies:
- Preheat oven to three seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out one disk of chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper until roughly one eighth of an inch thick. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and matching cutout centers.
- Chill Before Baking:
- Transfer cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets leaving at least one inch space. Put the sheets in the fridge for five minutes before baking to keep their shape.
- Bake Cookies:
- Bake cookies for eight to ten minutes until edges are just set and lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for two minutes, then move to a wire rack.
- Warm Jam:
- While cookies cool gently warm strawberry jam over medium-low heat in a small saucepan for about seven minutes stirring occasionally to make it easy to spread.
- Assemble Cookies:
- Spread a generous dollop of warm jam on whole cookies and top with cutout cookies pressing gently to adhere. Dust with confectioners sugar for a pretty finish before serving.
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My favorite ingredient in this recipe is definitely the cinnamon. It adds a cozy undertone that takes these cookies from simple jam-filled treats to something with a touch of sophistication. One Valentine’s Day I surprised my partner with these cookies and a handwritten note that said how much I love our moments together. It made the day truly unforgettable.
Storage Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer you can freeze baked cookies layered between parchment paper for up to three months. To enjoy simply thaw at room temperature and rewarm the jam slightly if needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out strawberry jam for raspberry or apricot jam to add different fruity notes. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend but beware the dough might be a little more delicate. For dairy-free baking substitute the butter with a quality plant-based spread.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are wonderful with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. They also make a charming addition to a dessert platter for gatherings or a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. For extra flair drizzle melted white chocolate over the assembled cookies or sprinkle finely chopped nuts before pressing layers together.
Cultural Context
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Jam-filled cookies are a longstanding tradition in many cultures often served during special occasions or holidays. The heart shape here perfectly fits Valentine’s Day a celebration rooted in expressing love through thoughtful gestures and homemade treats like these.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of flour works best for these cookies?
All-purpose flour is recommended, with King Arthur flour suggested for optimal quality and consistency.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough should be divided, shaped into disks, wrapped, and refrigerated for at least two hours to firm up before rolling.
- → How do I ensure the cookies come out tender?
Keeping the dough chilled and rolling it to about ⅛-inch thickness helps maintain a tender, delicate texture after baking.
- → What's the best way to warm the strawberry jam?
Gently heat the jam over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally until spreadable, about seven minutes, to enhance its flavor and ease spreading.
- → How should I assemble the cookies for best results?
After cooling, spread warm jam on whole cookies and top with cutout shapes, pressing gently to stick. Finish with a light dusting of confectioners sugar.
- → Can I use other flavors of jam?
While strawberry is classic, other fruity jams can be used depending on your taste preferences, such as raspberry or apricot.