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Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Rustic thumbprint cookies filled with vibrant raspberry and apricot jam.

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These are buttery, tender shortbread cookies with a sweet jam heart in the center. They are simple to make, requiring no special tools, and are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any cozy occasion. The key to their perfect shape is chilling the dough before baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup thick jam or preserves (like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the almond extract and egg yolks until just combined.
  3. Add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed just until a soft dough forms and no dry flour remains. Do not overmix.
  4. Divide the dough in half, shape each into a flat disk, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Remove one dough disk from the fridge. Roll tablespoon-sized portions into smooth balls. Place on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  7. Use your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon to press a deep, wide indentation into the center of each ball.
  8. Fill each indentation with about 3/4 teaspoon of jam, being careful not to overfill.
  9. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are just barely starting to turn light golden. The centers will look soft.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading. Use thick jam to avoid bubbling over. For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for 3 months.

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