Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe With Jam

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are made with a simple sugar cookie dough and filled with your favourite type of jam. These delicious cookies are perfect for the holiday season, valentine’s day, or for any special occasion. 

Alright, cookie lovers, gather around because I’ve got the cutest, most lovable treat to add to your dessert arsenal: Thumbprint Heart Cookies! 

These little bites of buttery goodness are not only ridiculously adorable but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And yes, you heard it right—these cookies are the perfect mix of fun and fancy, and you’ll look like a total pro even if you’re just winging it in the kitchen.

We’re talking about a simple sugar cookie dough that’s taken to the next level with just a thumb (or the back of a spoon) and a generous dollop of sweet, luscious jam. Because, honestly, who doesn’t love a little jam-filled love in cookie form? 

They’re perfect for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, an anniversary treat, or just any random Tuesday when you need to feel the love. 

And don’t worry, I’m going to guide you through this with the confidence of a well-seasoned baker who knows that love (and sugar) conquers all.

Since the holiday season is just around the corner I figured I better brush on my baking skills. If you love this thumbprint cookie recipe you should try my Brownie Crinkle Cookies and my Gluten Free Molasses Cookies.

WHAT ARE CLASSIC THUMBPRINT COOKIES?

Thumbprint cookies are delightful little treats made by pressing your thumb (or the back of a spoon) into balls of cookie dough to create a small indentation. 

This indentation is then filled with something sweet, like jam, chocolate, or caramel, making each cookie both fun and flavorful! 

They’re buttery, soft, and a classic favorite, especially during the holidays, though they’re so delicious that you’ll crave them year-round.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE THUMBPRINT HEART COOKIES

• Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and a few simple steps. Even your dog could probably help you bake these. (Okay, maybe not, but you get the idea.)
• Totally Customizable: Strawberry jam, raspberry jam, or whatever fruity spread makes your heart sing—you do you, boo.
• Adorable Factor: The heart-shaped centers are just too cute to resist, and they’re bound to make you look like a baking superstar on social media.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS FOR THESE HEART-SHAPED JAM COOKIES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this Valentines day cookie recipe (the step by step instructions, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Unsalted butter – can substitute for vegan butter to make this recipe vegan. Room temperature butter or softened butter is best.
• Granulated sugar – I wouldn’t recommend using brown sugar as a replacement. Stick to white sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract – almond extract would also probably taste great here if you were out of vanilla extract
• All-Purpose Flour – a 1:1 gluten free flour blend would most likely work well here. There may just be a bit more cracking in the cookies.
• Salt – less than 1 tsp salt to bring out all the flavors.
• Store-bought Jam – I use strawberry jam but any other type of fruity jams will work here!
• Optional – powdered sugar, maple syrup, almond flour, melted chocolate, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE SWEET LITTLE COOKIES

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or large bowl with hand mixer, cream butter and sugar at medium speed for 1-2 minutes. It will begin to get fluffy and will change to a lighter color.

Add the egg yolk and mix well. Then add the flour and salt and mix until just combined.

Make 12 cookie dough balls and then roll into additional sugar.

Using the tip of a spoon, your thumb, or your index finger, immediately press the centers of the cookies down in a criss cross to make a small heart shape. If you wait too long to press down the cookies will start to crack.

Fill the hearts with jam and bake cookies for 12-15 minutes in the preheated oven on the prepared baking sheet. The edges will just begin to turn golden brown.

Let cookies cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack or cooling rack to finish cooling. Enjoy your perfect sweet treat!

TIPS FOR THE BEST HOMEMADE JAM THUMBPRINTS

• Make sure you press down hard enough on the top of the cookie to create a deep enough indent to add the jam.
• Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a different shape of cookie cutters for each different time of year. Heart jam cookies are perfect for valentine’s day or Christmas.
• Make sure your jam is a thick enough consistency, otherwise it can leak out of your cookies.
• Once you have rolled the balls of dough, press into it immediately to create the heart shape. If you leave it too long the cookie dough will end of cracking on the edges.
• Ensure your butter is at room temperature.
• Never place your cookies on a hot cookie sheet. Make sure your cookie sheet has cooled completely before placing your next batch of cookies, otherwise they’ll start melting before they can start baking, and they’re much more likely to spread.

HOW TO STORE THE HEART THUMBPRINT COOKIES RECIPE

These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, or in the fridge for a week.

If you want to make a double batch you can also freeze the cookies and leave them out at room temperature to thaw out.

FAQS

CAN YOU USE ANY TYPE OF JAM FOR THE FILLING?

Yes, you can use a variety of jams, jellies, or preserves for the filling. Popular choices include strawberry, raspberry preserves, apricot, and even lemon curd for a tangy twist. Use your favorite jam for best results.

CAN I MAKE THE BUTTERY COOKIE DOUGH AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to a slightly softer consistency before working with it.

CAN I CUSTOMIZE THE FLAVOR OF THE BUTTERY SUGAR COOKIES?

Certainly! You can add various flavorings like vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest to the cookie dough to give it a unique taste.

CAN I MAKE DIFFERENT SHAPES OTHER THAN HEARTS?

Absolutely, you can use different cookie cutter shapes or even make thumbprint-style cookies with round wells for the jam. Use the palm of your hand, your pinky finger, or cookie cutters to make the shapes you desire.

HOW DO I GET THE PERFECT HEART SHAPE IN MY VALENTINE’S DAY THUMBPRINT COOKIES?

Use your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon to gently press into the dough balls, making a small crisscross pattern. Do this right after rolling the dough into small balls for better results.

Other Holiday Dessert Recipes You May Like To Try! 

• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
• Santa Rice Krispie Treats
• Easy Reindeer Cake Pops
• Peppermint Layered Christmas Chocolate Fudge
• Gluten-Free Oreo Cake Balls
• Easy Christmas Crack Recipe
• Salty Christmas White Trash
• Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
• Healthy Oatmeal Protein Cookies
• Chocolate Brownie Sea Salt Cookies
• Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Pecan Caramel Turtles

IF YOU TRIED THESE BUTTERY COOKIES FOR A COOKIE EXCHANGE PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS COOKIE BALL RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails