Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle

Okay, friend, get ready for a recipe that’s as cute as it is delicious—Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle. These little sweethearts are buttery, tender shortbread cookies sandwiched together with a glistening jewel of jam in the center. They’re soft, crumbly, sweet (but not too sweet), and seriously melt-in-your-mouth good.

Biting into one is like a little love letter from your kitchen—delicate vanilla-kissed cookies hugging a pop of fruity jam. The heart cut-out on top gives them that irresistible bakery-style look, but trust me, they’re super doable at home. These are the kind of cookies that make people pause mid-bite and go, “Oh wow… you made these?”

Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or just when you need something a little special. And whether you go classic with raspberry jam or get fancy with apricot, strawberry, or even peach, these cookies are pure joy from the very first nibble.

Why You’ll Love Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating little joyful moments. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a cookie, these sandwich beauties always rise to the occasion.

Versatile

From Valentine’s Day to bridal showers to a simple weekend baking session with the kids, these cookies work anytime. Swap out the jam flavors or shapes to match the moment.

Budget-Friendly

You likely already have everything you need sitting in your pantry or fridge. Flour, butter, sugar, a touch of vanilla, and your favorite jam—voilà! Bakery vibes without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy

The dough comes together fast, and even the cookie-cutting part is a breeze with a little patience and love. Don’t let the cute shape fool you—they’re beginner-friendly with major wow factor.

Customizable

Play around with flavors! Use lemon zest in the dough, try different jam combos, or dust the tops with powdered sugar or even edible glitter (fancy, right?). These cookies totally let you show off your style.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re five or fifty, there’s just something magical about jam-filled cookies. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and impossible to eat just one.

Ingredients in Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle

These classic cookies come together with just a few basic ingredients, but the flavor payoff is chef’s kiss. Here’s what makes the magic happen:

Unsalted Butter

The backbone of a good shortbread. It gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skimp—good butter makes a big difference here.

Granulated Sugar

Sweetens the dough and gives it a little structure. You want just enough to let the jam shine without overpowering.

Egg

Helps bind everything together and adds just the right amount of tenderness to the cookie.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warm, aromatic depth to the dough. It’s a small detail, but trust me, it makes these cookies sing.

All-Purpose Flour

Provides the structure we need to roll and cut these cookies without them losing their shape in the oven.

Salt

Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.

Fruit Jam

Your favorite kind—raspberry, strawberry, apricot, even cherry. The jam is the star of the show, so pick one you love!

Powdered Sugar (Optional)

For that soft, snowy dusting on top. It makes them look extra polished and festive.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the fun part—bringing these heartwarming cookies to life!

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and slide off effortlessly.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This gives you that dreamy, soft cookie texture. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Prepare Your Dough

Gradually add the flour and salt to your wet mixture, stirring until it forms a soft dough. If it feels a bit sticky, you can chill it for 20–30 minutes to make rolling easier.

Assemble the Cookies

Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Use a round or scalloped cookie cutter for the bases, and a second cutter to create a heart cut-out in the center of half of them (these will be the tops).

Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. You don’t want them too brown—just light and buttery.

Finishing Touches

Let the cookies cool completely. Then, spread a spoonful of jam on the bottom halves and gently press a cut-out cookie on top to sandwich them together. Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve them fresh or store them in an airtight container. They’re even better the next day, once the jam has slightly softened the cookies. Pure heaven!

How to Serve Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle

These cookies are as photogenic as they are delicious, so make the most of their charm!

With Tea or Coffee

Perfect for afternoon tea or your morning coffee break. That little sweet bite pairs beautifully with a warm drink.

On a Dessert Platter

Stack them up with chocolate truffles, macarons, or fruit for an elegant dessert spread.

Gift-Wrapped

Package them in a cute box or mason jar tied with ribbon—instant homemade gift with maximum “aww” factor.

As a Sweet Treat for Yourself

Because let’s be honest, you deserve cookies just because.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to work with, a quick chill in the fridge will make rolling and cutting a breeze.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be pale and tender, not crunchy. Keep a close eye on them in the oven!
• Get Creative: Use different shaped cutters for holidays—stars, flowers, or even initials!
• Make Ahead: The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just let it soften slightly before rolling.
• Store Smart: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days, or freeze them (without jam) and fill when ready.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
A1: You can, but homemade shortbread gives the best flavor and texture. Totally worth the effort!

Q2: What’s the best jam to use?
A2: Raspberry and strawberry are classic, but you can get creative with apricot, cherry, or even fig jam.

Q3: Can I make them gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Just substitute with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q4: How do I store these cookies?
A4: In an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can refrigerate them, but they may lose a bit of their tender bite.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?
A5: Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.

Q6: Can I skip the powdered sugar on top?
A6: Of course! They’re just as delicious without the dusting, but it does add a pretty, festive touch.

Q7: Can I use cookie cutters in other shapes?
A7: Totally! Hearts are sweet, but stars, flowers, or circles work beautifully too.

Q8: Are these cookies too sweet?
A8: Nope! The buttery dough balances the sweet jam perfectly—it’s all about harmony.

Q9: Can I double the batch?
A9: Yes, and I highly recommend it. They tend to disappear fast!

Q10: Are these good for gifting?
A10: Yes! Stack them in cellophane bags or cookie tins—they’re the kind of gift that says, “I baked this with love.”

Conclusion

There’s just something about Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle that makes them feel extra special. They’re the kind of treat that turns a regular afternoon into a moment of joy. So grab your apron, pick your favorite jam, and get baking—these cookies are calling your name. Trust me, you’re going to love every single bite.

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