Heart cookies are the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and fruity goodness. These tender, crumbly cookies are simple to make and are sure to impress. With a hint of raspberry jam nestled inside, they’re ideal for celebrations, gifts, or just a sweet treat!
Table of Contents
Heart Cookies Overview
What are Heart Cookies?
Heart cookies are charming baked treats shaped like hearts, often filled with a dollop of fruit preserves. Their beautiful shape makes them a popular choice for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any day you want to spread a little love. The combination of tender dough and sweet filling creates a delightful bite that everyone will adore.
Why Heart Cookies are Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies aren’t just pretty; they pack a flavorful punch! Their buttery texture and fruity filling make them a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to decorate, making them perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Whether you’re celebrating love or just indulging yourself, heart cookies are a delightful choice!
Heart Cookies Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Heart Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or preserves)
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
If you want to elevate your heart cookies even further, consider adding lemon or orange zest to the dough. This will infuse a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the jam. You can also roll the dough balls in sanding or granulated sugar for an extra touch of sparkle.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Heart Cookies
Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining two 13×9 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature butter with both sugars on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and creamy.
Chilling the Dough
Next, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the butter mixture and mix well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with low speed, scraping the bowl as needed. Once combined, scoop the dough with a tablespoon and roll it into smooth balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and press a heart shape into the top of each ball using your finger. Now, chill them in the freezer for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour.
Shaping the Cookies
While your dough is chilling, prepare the raspberry jam. Heat it in a microwave-safe bowl for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes slightly runny. After chilling, take the dough balls out and fill each heart indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Adding the Raspberry Jam
After filling the cookies with jam, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The warm aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste!
Baking the Heart Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will let them set perfectly while still being irresistibly warm and delicious.
Tips for Perfect Heart Cookies
How to Achieve the Best Texture
To ensure your heart cookies are perfectly crumbly and tender, be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Also, make sure your butter is at room temperature for the creaming process, as this helps create a light and airy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overbaking the cookies; they should be lightly golden on the edges while still soft in the center. It’s also important to press the heart shape gently; pressing too hard can cause the cookies to lose their shape during baking.
Storing and Freezing Heart Cookies
To keep your heart cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to freeze them, they can last for 2-3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need to make heart cookies?
You need all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, an egg yolk, vanilla extract, almond extract (optional), and raspberry jam.
How do I decorate heart cookies for special occasions?
You can use icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to decorate heart cookies. Personalizing them with messages or using colored sugar can also add a festive touch.
What are some popular flavor variations for heart cookies?
Some popular variations include adding citrus zest, using different fruit jams like strawberry or apricot, or infusing the dough with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Can I use gluten-free flour for heart cookies?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How do I store heart cookies to keep them fresh?
Store heart cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.
Related Recipes to try
- Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake
- Valentine Cookie Cake
- Valentine’s Day Cookie
- Heart Cake
- Valentine’s Day Cake
- Cookie Cake
Conclusion
Heart cookies are a beautiful and delicious treat that everyone loves. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. You can find inspiration for decorating and serving these delightful cookies on platforms like Pinterest. So why not whip up a batch today? They’re sure to warm hearts and bring smiles!
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Heart Cookies: Delightful Treats for Every Occasion
Equipment
- oven
- mixing bowl
- mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- tablespoon
- Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar packed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract optional
- ½ cup raspberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars together until light and creamy.
- Mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Scoop dough, roll into balls, and place on baking sheets.
- Press heart shapes into each ball and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Heat raspberry jam and fill each heart indent.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.