Name: Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 52 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: cherry jam; 150g whole cherries; approx. 1 cup; 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice; cookie; 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter; room temperature; 60g (1/2 cup) icing/powdered sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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These Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist, specifically, my perfect cherry thumbprint heart cookies, effortlessly blend tender cookie goodness with the sweet, tart delight of homemade cherry jam. Each cookie features a charming heart-shaped indentation filled with vibrant cherry jam, creating not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually stunning piece that will have your family and friends saying, “Wow!” Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just wanting to satisfy a craving, these cookies will undoubtedly bring joy to your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist

I first stumbled upon thumbprint cookies during a cozy afternoon baking session with my grandmother. We spent hours rolling dough and crafting those perfect little indents, and the aroma that filled our kitchen was like a warm hug. Now, when I make these cookies, they evoke memories of laughter and love while delivering a fantastic cookie experience. These cookies are easy to whip up, budget-friendly, and make for a delightful snack or dessert choice. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These cookies come together in just about 20 minutes of prep time and only 32 minutes in the oven!
Irresistible Flavor: The balance of sweet cherry jam and buttery cookie creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their adorable heart shape, these cookies are perfect for gifting or serving at celebrations.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a sweet snack, a lovely addition to brunch, or a dessert alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make adjustments for gluten-free or dairy-free diets without sacrificing taste!

Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry Jam: The star of this cookie, homemade or store-bought cherry jam provides a sweet and slightly tart flavor. If cherries are out of season, try raspberry or apricot jam for a twist.
150g Whole Cherries: Fresh cherries will add depth to your jam, but you can substitute with frozen cherries as needed. Make sure they’re pitted!
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten the cherry jam and balances the tartness. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider a sugar substitute designed for cooking.
1 tsp Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice brightens the cherry flavor and prevents the jam from becoming overly sweet.
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the cookie’s saltiness and adds rich flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
1/2 Cup Icing/Powdered Sugar: This gives the cookies a light sweetness and a delicate texture. You can use regular granulated sugar, but the cookies won’t have the same melt-in-your-mouth effect.
1 Egg Yolk: This contributes a nice richness and helps bind the cookie dough together. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds a beautiful depth of flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results!

How to Make Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist

Prepare Cherry Jam: Start by finely chopping your 150g of whole cherries. Combine the chopped cherries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Once done, set it aside to cool while you prepare the cookies.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup icing/powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie.

Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Incorporate 1 egg yolk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Beat everything until it’s well combined and smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and cornstarch—feel free to use about 1 cup of all-purpose flour along with 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix, as it may toughen your cookies.

Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 12 equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking tray. With two joined fingers, gently press into the center of each ball to create a heart shape cavity.

Fill with Jam: Carefully spoon the cooled cherry jam into the heart-shaped indents. Don’t overfill; just a little bit will do!

Bake Cookies: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges. The cookies will smell heavenly by now!

Cool Down: After baking, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool for about 15 minutes, or until they’re firm enough to handle.

Storing & Reheating

Store your delightful cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but use a container that locks in moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes to regain their original texture, keeping in mind that the flavor might slightly mellow after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your unsalted butter is soft but not melted for the best incorporation into your dough.
Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; oven temperatures can vary widely, so they may need a minute less or more.
If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for about 15 minutes before rolling it into balls.
For additional flavor, consider adding a touch of almond extract along with the vanilla.
If you love nuts, finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the dough for added crunch and flavor!
Feel free to make the cherry jam in advance; it can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about making Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist. They’re an expressive treat that packs memories and flavors into each bite. The combination of buttery cookie and tart cherry jam is a timeless classic. Feel free to experiment with different jam flavors or shapes as you make these cookies your own. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with them, just as I did so many years ago!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the jam?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly for the jam. Just ensure they are thoroughly pitted and thawed before chopping and cooking. The taste will still be delightful!

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness. If you need to keep them longer, freezing them is a great option. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The cookies will still come out delicious!

How do I prevent the cookie edges from spreading?

To prevent spreading, make sure your butter is at the right temperature – soft enough to cream but not melted. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 15-20 minutes before baking can help.