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Create beautifully shaped heart cookies filled with jewel-toned raspberry jam. These buttery shortbread cookies combine classic thumbprint style with romantic presentation, perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.
Through countless batches, I've discovered that proper temperature control and chilling time create the perfect heart shape.
Essential Ingredients
- Butter: Room temperature (65-70°F)
- Powdered Sugar: For tender texture
- All-Purpose Flour: Measured by spooning and leveling
- Large Egg Yolk: Room temperature
- Pure Vanilla Extract: No imitation
- Quality Raspberry Jam: Seedless preferred
- Salt: Enhances flavor
- Optional: Almond Extract - For depth
Detailed Instructions
- 1. Dough Preparation:
- 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 dough comes together. Don't overmix. Chill dough 30 minutes.
- 2. Shaping Process:
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Press center with thumb, then shape into heart using fingers to create point at bottom. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Chill shaped cookies 30 minutes.
- 3. Filling Method:
- Warm jam slightly in microwave (15-20 seconds) for easier spreading. Fill each heart indentation with ½ teaspoon jam, being careful not to overfill. Avoid getting jam on cookie edges.
- 4. Baking Process:
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
- 5. Final Touches:
- Once completely cool, dust edges with powdered sugar if desired. Let jam set fully before stacking or packaging.
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Storage and Serving Solutions
Store unfilled cookies in airtight container up to 1 week. Once filled, best consumed within 3 days. For freezing, store unfilled cookies in freezer-safe container up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and fill before serving.
Perfect Pairings
- Hot tea or coffee
- Glass of milk
- Champagne for celebrations
- Fresh raspberries
- Other petit fours
- Chocolate truffles
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Jam Variations
- Strawberry preserves
- Apricot jam
- Blackberry preserves
- Mixed berry jam
- Fig preserves
- Cherry preserves
These heart-shaped cookies prove 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
- → Why freeze the cookies before baking?
- Freezing helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- → Can I use different jam flavors?
- Yes, any smooth jam works well. Try strawberry, apricot, or blackberry.
- → How do I make the heart shape?
- Use your thumb to make an indent, then pinch one end to form a heart shape.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Yes, store baked cookies up to a week at room temperature or freeze dough for 3 months.
- → Why heat the jam?
- Heating makes the jam easier to work with and gives a smoother finish.