Description
Sweet raspberry heart jam cookies melt hearts with their buttery shortbread and glossy crimson centers. Charming European-style treats invite passionate bakers to create delightful valentine desserts that spark joy and romance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare a smooth, velvety base by whipping softened butter and sugar until they transform into a light, airy mixture. Infuse the dough with delicate vanilla and optional almond essence, blending thoroughly.
- Sift flour and salt together, then gently fold into the butter mixture, creating a cohesive dough that just comes together without overmixing.
- Encase the dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest and firm up in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, enabling the flavors to meld and the texture to stabilize.
- Heat the oven to 350°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the upcoming delicate cookies.
- Craft uniform orbs of dough, rolling them between your palms to create perfect one-inch spheres. Arrange these gently on the baking sheet, ensuring ample spacing.
- Using your thumb or a small spoon, delicately press into each dough ball, sculpting elegant heart-shaped cavities. Refine the edges with careful finger movements to create a precise heart outline.
- Carefully spoon jam into the heart indentations, being mindful not to overflow the delicate wells.
- Slide the tray into the preheated oven, baking until the edges achieve a soft, golden hue—approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a brief five-minute interlude, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, letting the jam set and the cookies reach their perfect texture.
Notes
- Soften butter to room temperature beforehand for easier creaming and smoother dough consistency.
- Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain heart-shaped indent during baking.
- Use high-quality jam with thick consistency to prevent runny centers and maintain clean heart shapes.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring smooth texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 37 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg