Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle

Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle are not just delicious; they are a delightful way to show love and affection to anyone special in your life. With their soft texture and mouth-watering raspberry jam filling, these cookies beautifully blend sweet and tart flavors. Making these cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when shared with friends, family, or as a treat for loved ones. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to bake some heartwarming cookies that are perfect for any occasion!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle. First, they are visually stunning, making them perfect for gifting or serving at parties. The heart shape adds a personal touch, perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply to brighten someone’s day.

Secondly, you get to make a homemade raspberry jam from scratch, which elevates the flavor and texture of these cookies. There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, fruity jam nestled between two buttery cookies.

Lastly, the process of baking these cookies can be a joyous experience. Whether you’re baking alone for some self-care or with others for a fun activity, creating these treats is as enjoyable as eating them.

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

Ingredients:

For the Raspberry Jam:

• 12 oz fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp corn starch
• 1 ½–2 tbsp water (for slurry)

For the Sandwich Cookies:

• 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp fine salt
• ¼–⅓ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, honey, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a low boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add to the simmering jam and cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Cream together butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and vanilla.
8. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
9. Add the egg mixture to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined.
10. Gradually add dry ingredients on low speed until fully combined.
11. Roll dough on floured parchment paper, dividing it in half. Roll out one half.
12. Use a large heart-shaped cutter for full hearts and a smaller cutter for hearts with centers cut out.
13. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9–10 minutes until set.
14. Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
15. Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on full heart-shaped cookies.
16. Place cut-out heart cookies on top to form sandwiches.
17. Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

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

To serve these lovely cookies, arrange them on a decorative platter. You can even stack them into a heart shape to accentuate their design! For a sweet twist, pair these sandwich cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an excellent choice for an afternoon treat.

If you’re serving these at an event, consider wrapping them in clear bags tied with pretty ribbons to make adorable party favors. They are perfect for sharing at celebrations, whether it’s a birthday party, a Valentine’s gathering, or even a casual get-together.

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

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. If you’ve made these cookies ahead of time and want to retain their freshness for longer, consider keeping them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each cookie separately in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy them later on; simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Tips to Make Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle

• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This extra step will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

• Control the Sweetness: If you prefer a tart filling, decrease the amount of sugar in the jam recipe. You can always adjust it according to your taste.

• Experiment with Flavors: While raspberry is a favorite, try using other fruits like strawberries or blueberries to make different flavored sandwiches.

• Presentation Matters: For an elegant touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or use colored powdered sugar for dusting.

Variations

While the classic raspberry jam filling is delightful, there are many variations you can explore with these cookies:

• Use Different Jams: Substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like apricot, cherry, or even lemon curd for a zesty alternative.
• Add Nut Flavors: Consider incorporating finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the cookie dough for added crunch.
• Decorate Creatively: Use royal icing to decorate the cookies for festive occasions, or add sprinkles for a fun look.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought jam instead of making my own?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought jam to save time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality jam that complements the cookies.

2. Is there a gluten-free version of these sandwiches?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends available in stores. Just make sure to check the ratios on the packaging.

3. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be set and lightly golden around the edges. Don’t wait till they are fully golden, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

4. Can I decorate the cookies?
Absolutely! You can use icing or melted chocolate for decoration and even add colored sugars or sprinkles for extra flair.

Making Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle isn’t just about baking; it’s about spreading joy and sharing love. The end result is a showcase of beauty and flavor that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you make them for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself, they are sure to become a household favorite. Happy baking!

Sugar-Kissed Heart Sandwich Cookies with Jam Sparkle

Delicate heart-shaped butter cookies filled with sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters
• Baking sheet
• Cooling Rack

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
• Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Repeat with the second portion of dough, but use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the centers of these cookies.
• Bake the cookies for 9–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
• Once cooled, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the full heart-shaped cookies.
• Place the cut-out heart cookies on top to form sandwiches, pressing gently.
• Dust the tops of the sandwich cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For a festive touch, use different jam flavors or add a drop of food coloring to the dough.

Keyword heart cookies, jam sandwich cookies, Valentine’s Day