How to Make Jam Heart Biscuits: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

Have you ever wondered why homemade biscuits taste so much better than store-bought ones? Maybe it’s the warm, buttery texture, or perhaps it’s the love you put into every batch. Whatever the reason, Jam Heart Biscuits are one of those simple, charming treats that bring instant joy. Whether you’re baking them for Valentine’s Day, a special afternoon tea, or simply to brighten someone’s day, these biscuits are a perfect combination of buttery crispness and fruity sweetness.

In this post, we’ll walk through how to make jam heart biscuits that look beautiful, taste incredible, and are surprisingly easy to bake—even if you’re a beginner baker!

Jam Heart Biscuits are classic buttery shortbread-style cookies with a sweet jam filling in the center. They have a heart-shaped cutout on the top biscuit, allowing the jam to peek through—making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

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• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Great for holidays, gifts, or everyday snacks
• Fun to make with kids
• Customizable with your favorite jams

Preparation time:

• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Bake time: 10–12 minutes
• Total time: Around 1 hour

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate (perfect for beginners and home bakers)

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery, jam-filled biscuits:

For the Biscuits:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened – gives that rich, tender texture.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth.
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – forms the base of your biscuits.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – balances out the sweetness.

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (120g) jam or preserves – raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam works best.

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar – for dusting after baking.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Butter substitute: You can use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
• Flour substitute: Try whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour for those with sensitivities.
• Jam options: Mix it up with blueberry, blackberry, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist.
• Flavor boost: Add a touch of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a fragrant finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes. The goal is to incorporate air into the dough for a light, crumbly texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add flour and salt. Blend until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as that can make the biscuits tough instead of tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Biscuits

Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Using a round or fluted cookie cutter, cut out even shapes for the biscuit base. For half of the biscuits, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to remove the centers—these will be the tops.

Tip: Dip your cutters in flour to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

Assembly

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Spread about ½ teaspoon of jam onto the flat side of each full biscuit (without the cutout).

Step 2: Add the Top

Place the cutout biscuit gently on top and press lightly so the jam shows through the heart shape.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Dust the tops with powdered sugar for an elegant look. If you like, you can also warm the jam slightly before spreading it for a smoother, glossier finish.

Presentation tip: Arrange them on a white platter or gift them in small boxes lined with parchment paper. They make wonderful gifts for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: If it’s warm or humid, refrigerate them for up to 10 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze unfilled biscuits for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw them and fill with fresh jam.
• Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dough and freeze it (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Heart Biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate twist.
• Lemon Kiss Biscuits: Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and fill with lemon curd.
• Nutty Hearts: Add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the dough for extra crunch.
• Festive Touch: Use different shapes for different holidays—stars for Christmas, flowers for spring, or hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Conclusion

There’s something so satisfying about making Jam Heart Biscuits from scratch. They’re buttery, crumbly, and filled with sweet jam that melts in your mouth. Plus, they look so beautiful that they instantly brighten any dessert table.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors—swap out the jam, add spices, or drizzle with chocolate. Baking is all about creativity and joy, and these biscuits are the perfect place to start. So roll up your sleeves, grab your cookie cutters, and make something special today!

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of jam for this recipe?
Yes! You can use any jam or preserve you love—raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, or even orange marmalade. Thicker jams work best because they don’t run out of the center.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to cut and preventing the biscuits from spreading too much during baking.

3. How do I keep the biscuits crisp?
Make sure to cool them completely before assembling. Store them in a dry, airtight container to maintain crispness.

4. Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal amounts.

5. How can I make the biscuits more flavorful?
Try adding a touch of lemon zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a flavor boost.

6. Can I use a food processor to make the dough?
Yes, you can pulse the ingredients together in a food processor until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

This simple, heartwarming recipe is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a way to show love through baking. With their buttery crunch and fruity filling, Jam Heart Biscuits are bound to become a household favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.