This TikTok-inspired Jam Heart Cookies recipe recently went viral and brought renewed attention to the classic jam heart cookie. These are soft, buttery cookies with a cherry jam-filled heart in the center — simple, tender, and irresistibly sweet.
While these cookies are especially popular around Valentine’s Day, I make and enjoy them year-round. Even before the TikTok trend, the heart-shaped jam cookie was a beloved classic.
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What makes this recipe so yummy
- Surprisingly easy to make — there’s no need to refrigerate the dough, which speeds up the process compared with many sugar-cookie recipes that require chilling.
- The center can be filled with any jam or preserve you love, so you can customize flavors easily.
Groceries you’ll need: Ingredients
- Frozen cherries
- Granulated sugar
- Lime or lemon juice
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Egg yolks
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the steps. Refer to the full recipe card below for exact measurements and details.
- Step 1: Combine frozen cherries, granulated sugar, and lime (or lemon) juice in a small pot. Cook over medium-high heat about 20 minutes until most liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens.
- Step 2: Let the jam cool, then blend with a stick blender or regular blender until smooth.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 4: In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Step 5: Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Step 6: Add flour and cornstarch, mixing until the dough is fully combined and holds together.
- Step 7: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, place on the prepared baking sheet, and press two shallow thumbprints to form a heart-shaped well.
- Step 8: Fill each heart well with a small spoonful of jam. Leave 2–3 inches between cookies.
- Step 9: Bake 10–12 minutes. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Hint: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour and dampen your hands to handle it more easily.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Store-bought jam — Use jarred jam to save time instead of making homemade jam.
- Flavor swaps — Try raspberry, strawberry, apricot or any favorite preserve for different flavor profiles.
- Sugar swap — Some bakers prefer brown sugar in fruit fillings for a deeper flavor.
- Flour alternative — Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier texture (results will vary).
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Necessary gear: Equipment
You’ll need a small pot for the jam and a stick blender or regular blender to smooth it. A stand mixer or hand mixer works well for the cookie dough. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Related Recipes
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- White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
- Heart Shaped Rice Krispie Treats
- Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Matcha Cookies
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How to store leftovers
Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
These thumbprint-style cookies freeze well. For best results, freeze unfilled cookies and add jam after thawing. You can also make a double batch and freeze extras to bake later.
Mel’s kitchen notes
If your thumbprint is too large, use the rounded end of a spoon or the handle of a knife. Dust it with a touch of cornstarch so it won’t stick to the dough.
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Tiktok Jam Heart Cookies Recipe
ANNOUNCEMENT
Watch Me Compete on Food Network’s 100 Cooks – airing June 7th @ 9/8c
Equipment
-
Stand Mixer
-
Small Pot (1–1.5 qt)
-
Baking Sheets
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Frozen Cherries
- ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Lime Juice or Lemon Juice
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter softened
- ⅔ Cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Each Egg Yolks
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ⅛ teaspoon Almond Extract
- 2-⅓ Cups All Purpose Flour 290g
- 1 Tablespoons Cornstarch
Instructions
-
Add frozen cherries to a small pan with sugar and lime juice.
-
Cook over medium heat about 20 minutes until most liquid evaporates and the mixture has thickened. Allow to cool.
-
Blend the jam with a stick blender or regular blender until smooth.
-
Preheat oven to 350°F.
-
Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy.
-
Add egg yolks one at a time, then vanilla and almond extract.
-
Mix in flour and cornstarch until the dough is combined and holds together.
-
Roll 1 tablespoon portions into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Press two small thumbprints into each ball to form a heart-shaped well.
-
Fill each well with cherry jam.
-
Place cookies about 2″ apart and bake 10–12 minutes.
-
Cool on the sheet 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
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