Valentine’s Day is basically an excuse to make cookies shaped like hearts, jam-filled, and a little messy—because love doesn’t have to be perfect, right? I whipped these up one year when I wanted to surprise my partner with something homemade, and let’s just say… the kitchen got a little sticky, I ate more jam than I should have, and the cookies turned out ridiculously cute.
These cookies are perfect for your partner, your kids, friends, or anyone you want to show a little love to. Bonus: you get to lick the spatula, eat the scraps, and feel like a baking rockstar.
Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)
- Cute Factor: Heart-shaped cookies = instant smile.
- Jam Surprise: Strawberry jam inside is always a win.
- Easy-ish: Simple ingredients, minimal stress.
- Romantic Vibes: Perfect for Valentine’s Day (or any day you want to feel fancy).
- Shareable: Great for gifting, but I won’t judge if you hoard a dozen.
- Satisfying to Assemble: Filling, layering, dusting—therapeutic and fun.
- Customizable: Swap jams, cookie cutters, or add sprinkles for flair.
Tips I Learned the Hard Way
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this—prevents cookies from spreading like a sad pancake.
- Sift the Sugar: Confectioners sugar loves to clump; sifting = smooth.
- Warm the Jam: Makes spreading on cookies easier without tearing them.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold dry into wet gently; overmixing = tough cookies.
- Cut Carefully: Use sharp cutters and don’t twist; edges stay neat.
- Bake Lightly: Just set and lightly golden; cookies continue to firm up while cooling.
- Dust Last: Confectioners sugar on top looks extra pretty if added right before assembly.
- Keep a Few Extras: Mistakes happen, and extra cookies = emergency taste testing.
Variations You Can Mess Around With
- Different Jam Flavors: Raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a little extra indulgence.
- Sprinkles: Valentine-colored sprinkles on top for fun.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for your favorite gluten-free blend.
- Mini Cookies: Tiny hearts for bite-sized love.
- Nut Butter Twist: Peanut butter or almond butter inside instead of jam.
- Icing Fun: Add a thin glaze on top for extra shine.
How To Make Easy Valentine’s Day Cookies?
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp confectioners sugar, sifted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
Filling
- 1 1/4 cups strawberry jam
Instructions
Step 1:
Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and confectioners sugar in a bowl.
Step 2:
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg, mix until combined.
Step 3:
Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap, refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Step 4:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll dough between parchment to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut heart shapes: half solid, half cutouts. Chill sheets 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool 2 minutes on sheet, then transfer to rack.
Step 6:
Warm strawberry jam over medium-low heat for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7:
Spread jam on whole cookies. Top with cutout cookies, pressing gently. Dust lightly with confectioners sugar for a pretty finish. Serve immediately.
Easy Valentine’s Day Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and confectioners sugar in a bowl.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg, mix until combined.
- Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap, refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll dough between parchment to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut heart shapes: half solid, half cutouts. Chill sheets 5 minutes.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool 2 minutes on sheet, then transfer to rack.
- Warm strawberry jam over medium-low heat for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread jam on whole cookies. Top with cutout cookies, pressing gently. Dust lightly with confectioners sugar for a pretty finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24 gm |
| Fat | 4.2 gm |
| Protein | 1.5 gm |
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive
How I Like to Serve This
- Morning coffee for Valentine’s Day breakfast.
- In a gift box with a handwritten note.
- Straight from the cooling rack—because why wait?
- On a dessert plate with extra jam on the side.
- At a kids’ Valentine’s party—tiny hands love hearts.
Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Thoughts
- Airtight Container: Keeps soft for 2–3 days.
- Don’t Stack Too High: Jam can make cookies stick.
- Reheat Slightly: 5–10 sec in microwave makes them feel freshly baked.
- Jam Might Ooze: That’s normal—extra cute.
- Best Same Day: Soft, tender, and perfect.
- Freezing: Dough can be frozen before baking; assembled cookies don’t freeze well.
FAQs (Real Questions People Actually Ask)
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use store-bought jam?
Absolutely! Just make it slightly warm for easier spreading.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, it prevents spreading and keeps cookie edges sharp.
What if I don’t have heart-shaped cutters?
Any small cookie cutter or even a glass rim works.
Can I make mini cookies?
Yes, adjust baking time to 6–8 minutes.
Do I have to dust with sugar?
Not required, but it makes them extra cute.
Can I make ahead for Valentine’s Day?
Yes—bake, cool, and assemble the day before for easy gifting.
