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Make delightful heart-shaped cookies filled with vibrant raspberry jam. These rich shortbread cookies blend classic thumbprint style with a romantic touch, perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.
After many attempts, I've found that proper temperature management and chilling time are crucial for achieving the perfect heart shape.
Key Ingredients
- Butter: Room temperature (65-70°F)
- Powdered Sugar: For a tender texture
- All-Purpose Flour: Measured by spooning and leveling
- Large Egg Yolk: Room temperature
- Pure Vanilla Extract: No imitation
- High-Quality Raspberry Jam: Seedless preferred
- Salt: Enhances flavor
- Optional: Almond Extract - For added depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Dough:
- Beat room temperature butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add egg yolk and vanilla, mix until combined. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- 2. Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Press the center with your thumb, then shape into a heart using your fingers to create a point at the bottom. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Chill the shaped cookies for 30 minutes.
- 3. Fill the Cookies:
- Warm the jam slightly in the microwave (15-20 seconds) for easier spreading. Fill each heart indentation with ½ teaspoon of jam, being careful not to overfill. Avoid getting jam on the cookie edges.
- 4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- 5. Finishing Touches:
- Once completely cool, dust the edges with powdered sugar if desired. Let the jam set fully before stacking or packaging.
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Storage and Serving Tips
Store unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Once filled, they are best consumed within 3 days. For freezing, store unfilled cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and fill before serving.
Ideal Pairings
- Hot tea or coffee
- Glass of milk
- Champagne for celebrations
- Fresh raspberries
- Other petit fours
- Chocolate truffles
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Jam Options
- Strawberry preserves
- Apricot jam
- Blackberry preserves
- Mixed berry jam
- Fig preserves
- Cherry preserves
These heart-shaped cookies show that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether given as gifts or enjoyed at home, they're sure to bring smiles. Remember, patience during chilling and careful filling create the most beautiful presentation.
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Final Notes
The success of these cookies lies in attention to detail and temperature control. Each batch is an opportunity to perfect your technique and create beautiful, delicious treats that show how much you care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use another type of jam?
- Yes, you can use strawberry, cherry, or apricot jam for a different flavor variation.
- → Why do I need to freeze the cookies before baking?
- Freezing helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and prevents the jam from leaking out.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- They stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature or 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- → Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the shaped cookies before baking. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before proceeding with the recipe.
- → Is this recipe gluten-free?
- No, but you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.