Name: Buttery Strawberry Jam Cookies for Sweet Celebrations
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar can be used as a substitute); 1 pinch salt (sea salt preferred); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for best flavor); 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted; consider gluten-free options); 1 cup strawberry jam (or swap with other flavors like raspberry or apricot)

The scent of warm butter and sweet strawberries wafts through my kitchen—a simple delight that signals it’s cookie time! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Delightful Strawberry Jam Cookies with Heart Cutouts. These charming cookies are not only visually stunning with their playful heart shapes, perfect for Valentine’s Day, but they also come together with just five ingredients. They’re a fantastic choice for those who love to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. And let’s not forget the best part: they can be made in advance and are freezer-friendly, making them an easy go-to whenever a sweet craving strikes. Are you ready to indulge in some sweet nostalgia with me?

What makes these cookies special?

Simplicity shines through with just five ingredients, making it easy even for beginners to succeed. Versatility allows for flavor swaps; try different jams to suit any occasion. Perfect for sharing, these cookies make delightful gifts, especially with their heart cutouts. Freezer-friendly means you can prepare them ahead of time, ready for whenever a sweet craving strikes. Irresistible texture balances a tender crumb with a delightful gooey jam center—truly a nostalgic treat! For more make-ahead goodies, check out my post on easy freezer-friendly recipes.

Strawberry Jam Cookie Ingredients

• For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – This provides richness and tenderness; ensure it’s softened to room temperature for best mixing.
Icing Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture; powdered sugar can be used as a substitute if needed.
Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; opt for sea salt over iodized for improved taste.
Vanilla Extract – Introduces warmth; use pure vanilla for the best flavor, or imitation if necessary.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure; sift it for a lighter texture and consider gluten-free options if desired.

• For the Filling

Strawberry Jam – This is the sweet and fruity filling that adds moisture; feel free to swap in other jam flavors like raspberry or apricot for a twist.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for https://pinabresciani.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Finished-jam-cookies-1024×1536.jpg

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your Delightful Strawberry Jam Cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden edge. While the oven is heating up, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup once the cookies are baked.

Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of icing sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This crucial step creates a rich base for your cookies, making them tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour to the mixture in the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft, cohesive dough that holds its shape. If the dough seems too dry, consider adding a teaspoon of milk.

Step 4: Chill the Dough
Once the dough is formed, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently by hand until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness. Use additional flour to prevent sticking. The smoothness of the dough should be just right; you can tell it’s ready when it rolls out without cracking or tearing.

Step 6: Cut Out Cookie Shapes
Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough, re-rolling scraps as necessary. For half of the circles, take a smaller cutter to cut out a heart shape in the center, creating a charming window for the jam filling. This adds a delightful touch to your Delightful Strawberry Jam Cookies.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Arrange your cookie cutouts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to expand. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them; they should be set but still soft to the touch when done.

Step 8: Cool Down
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Taking this step is essential to prevent the cookies from breaking apart when you add the jam.

Step 9: Assemble the Cookies
Once cooled, dust the heart-cutout cookies with a light sprinkle of icing sugar for that sweet touch. Spread a generous layer of strawberry jam on the remaining cookies. Carefully place the heart-cutout cookies on top to sandwich them together, creating a beautiful display of Delightful Strawberry Jam Cookies.

Expert Tips for Strawberry Jam Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened for optimal mixing; cold butter can lead to clumpy dough.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined; overmixing makes cookies tough instead of tender and crumbly.
Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough before rolling out; this keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Use Fresh Jam: Opt for high-quality, flavorful strawberry jam for the best fruity filling; variations in jam can alter the cookie’s taste.
Keep Extras Fresh: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

What to Serve with Delightful Strawberry Jam Cookies

The perfect accompaniment can elevate your delightful cookies into a memorable experience for everyone at the table.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the fruity jam, providing a creamy contrast to the crumbly cookie texture. This combination creates a comforting dessert that feels indulgent yet simple.
Fresh Berries Salad: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of freshness, enhancing the fruity notes in the cookies. Tossed with a hint of mint, this salad is a refreshing addition that balances sweetness.
Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate, perhaps topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, complements the sweet strawberry flavors. The richness of the chocolate brings out the buttery goodness in the cookies.
Herbal Tea: A nice chamomile or mint tea provides a soothing herbal contrast that is delightful with the sweetness of the cookies. Sip on this as you enjoy an afternoon snack; it’s perfect for cozy moments!
Cheese Platter: Include a small selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese to create a sweet and savory mix. The creaminess of the cheeses adds depth while the cookies shine as the star.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Elevate the cookie experience by serving chocolate-covered strawberries on the side. The rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors are an irresistible combination, creating a festive feel.

These delightful combinations can transform a simple cookie into the star of your gathering, making every bite an adventure in taste and texture!

Strawberry Jam Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing your strawberry jam cookies in delightful ways!

Flavor Swap: Substitute strawberry jam with other flavors like raspberry, peach, or mixed berry for a new twist. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness and character to these cookies.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a delicious gluten-free version. They’ll still be just as tender and delightful!
Seasonal Shapes: Change up the cookie cutters to reflect the season—use pumpkins for fall or snowflakes for winter. It’s a fun way to celebrate each occasion with a sweet treat.
Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the flavors by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the filled cookies. The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the fruity jam and adds a gourmet touch.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the dough for a lovely crunch. This will introduce a delightful new texture and flavor balance.
Herbal Touch: Try infusing the dough with a hint of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, which can provide an intriguing flavor contrast with the sweet jam.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note. These cozy flavors pair beautifully with the sweetness of the jam.
Heartfelt Gifts: For a personal touch, package your cookies in decorated tins or boxes as gifts. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones, showcasing your homemade treats!

Whether you’re looking for something festive or a bit different, these variations open up a world of delicious possibilities. For more flavorful twists, check out my post on adapting classic recipes!

Make Ahead Options

These Delightful Strawberry Jam Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. This not only allows the flavors to meld but ensures the dough is easy to roll out when you’re ready to bake. Additionally, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature without sacrificing freshness. When it’s time to serve, simply assemble them with strawberry jam and dust with icing sugar to add that finishing touch. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious cookies ready at a moment’s notice!

How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Jam Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delightful texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for extended freshness; just remember they may lose some of their crispness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to indulge in these scrumptious strawberry jam cookies.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy a warm cookie, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Strawberry Jam Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I consider when selecting strawberries or jam?
Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for those that are bright red, firm, and free of blemishes. If you’re using jam, opt for natural varieties with whole fruit and minimal preservatives for a richer taste. If you can’t find strawberry jam, any berry jam works great!

How long can I store the cookies, and what’s the best method?
You can store your cooled Delightful Strawberry Jam Cookies in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them; just note they may lose some crispness. If you want to keep them fresh for even longer, freeze them!

What are the best instructions for freezing these cookies?
To freeze, start by placing the cooled cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.

What should I do if my cookie dough feels too dry?
If your dough crumbles and feels too dry, don’t worry! Just add a teaspoon of milk to help bring it together. Mix gently until you reach the desired consistency and remember that every flour brand can absorb liquid differently.

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes! This recipe is nut-free as it relies on simple ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, and jam. However, always check for cross-contamination and ensure your jam is processed in a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern.

Could I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make the Delightful Strawberry Jam Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains binding agents like xanthan gum to help with texture. Enjoy your delicious homemade cookies worry-free!