If you’re on the hunt for a charmingly sweet treat that’s both delightful and bursting with fresh fruit flavor, look no further than this Cherry Heart Thumbprint Cookies with Fresh Cherry Jam Recipe. These heart-shaped cookies combine a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb with the irresistible brightness of homemade cherry jam nestled right in the center. Perfectly balanced and beautifully festive, they bring the taste of summer into every bite, making them a favorite to bake and share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly simple but absolutely crucial to achieving that dreamy texture and vibrant flavor. Each component plays its part, whether it’s the rich butter for softness, the fresh cherries for that luscious jam, or the cornstarch that ensures a delicate crumb.
- Whole cherries (150g / approx. 1 cup): Fresh cherries give the jam its bright, natural flavor and beautiful color.
- Granulated sugar (50g / 1/4 cup): Sweetens the cherry jam perfectly without overpowering the fruit.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp): Adds just the right tartness to balance the sweetness in the jam.
- Unsalted butter (115g / 1/2 cup), room temperature: Essential for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- Icing/powdered sugar (60g / 1/2 cup): Provides gentle sweetness and helps create the cookie’s soft crumb.
- Egg yolk (1): Binds the dough and enriches the cookies with a golden color.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the cookies.
- All-purpose flour (140g / 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp): The sturdy base that keeps the cookies perfectly structured.
- Cornstarch (15g / 2 tbsp): Keeps the cookies tender and crumbly by softening the flour’s gluten development.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cherry Heart Thumbprint Cookies with Fresh Cherry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Jam
Start by finely chopping your fresh cherries to release their beautiful juices and vibrant flavor. Combine these chopped cherries with granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. This gentle cooking allows the cherry sugars and natural pectin to thicken into a luscious jam. Once it’s rich and jammy, set it aside to cool completely — this prevents it from melting the cookie dough later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
While the jam cools, turn your attention to the cookies. Preheat your oven to 175C (350F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easy. Cream together the unsalted butter and icing sugar in a bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will make your cookies wonderfully tender. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and aromatic.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Shape Cookies
Next, gently mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch into your wet ingredients just until you see the dough come together; overmixing can make them tough, so be gentle. Roll this dough into 12 equally sized balls and arrange them on your prepared tray. Using your fingertips, press two prints joined at the bottom into each ball to create the signature heart shape that makes these cookies so special.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Fill each heart-shaped indent generously with the cooled cherry jam—this is where all the magic happens. Place the tray in your oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are just starting to turn a light golden brown around the edges. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely for about 15 minutes until they are firm but tender.
How to Serve Cherry Heart Thumbprint Cookies with Fresh Cherry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies even more, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a lovely snowy look and an extra touch of sweetness. For a colorful contrast, consider placing small edible flowers or sprigs of fresh mint around your presentation plate—it adds a garden-fresh vibe that pairs beautifully with the cherry jam.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own but also pair wonderfully with a simple cup of black tea or a creamy latte. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun, indulgent dessert or a fruity sorbet to keep everything light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Think about stacking these cookies gently in a rustic basket lined with a pastel cloth for a summer picnic look, or arranging them on a decorative tiered cake stand for a bridal shower or festive tea party. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a cherry-colored ribbon makes a charming gift that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cherry Heart Thumbprint Cookies with Fresh Cherry Jam Recipe cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is perfect if you want to bake ahead for a gathering and keep their tender texture just right.
Freezing
If you need to save them for longer, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and they will taste just as fresh thanks to the homemade cherry jam’s natural moisture.
Reheating
To gently warm the cookies and revive their softness, pop them in a 150C (300F) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the crumbly texture intact and prevent the jam from getting too runny.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for the jam?
Yes! Frozen cherries work beautifully if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before chopping and cooking the jam to prevent it from becoming too watery.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I skip it?
Cornstarch helps keep these cookies tender, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or even potato starch. Omitting it entirely may result in a slightly less delicate crumb.
Can I make the cherry jam in advance?
Absolutely! The cherry jam can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container until you’re ready to fill your cookies.
How do I make the heart shape for the thumbprint?
Simply use your index fingers to press two indentations side by side where the base of the fingers meet, forming a small heart shape. It’s charmingly imperfect and adds a personal touch to each cookie.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! Kids love rolling dough balls and making thumbprints. Just supervise the oven part and you’ll have a fun baking activity that results in delicious treats everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cherry Heart Thumbprint Cookies with Fresh Cherry Jam Recipe, I have no doubt it’ll become a favorite in your baking repertoire, especially during those sunny months when cherries are at their peak. Baking these heart-shaped treasures is a joyful experience and sharing them makes every gathering sweeter. So, roll up your sleeves and bring the warmth of homemade cookies filled with fresh cherry jam to your kitchen—you’re going to love every bite!
PrintCherry Heart Thumbprint Cookies with Fresh Cherry Jam Recipe
Delight in these charming Cherry Thumbprint Cookies, featuring crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth hearts filled with a fresh, homemade cherry jam made from whole cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a sweet treat, these American-style cookies combine the smooth richness of buttery dough with the vibrant, fruity burst of cherry filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cherry Jam
- 150g Whole cherries, approx. 1 cup
- 50g (1/4 cup) Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
Cookie
- 115g (1/2 cup) Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 60g (1/2 cup) Icing/powdered sugar
- 1 Egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 140g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) All purpose flour
- 15g (2 tbsp) Cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Jam: Finely chop the whole cherries into small pieces. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Heat the mixture over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the room temperature unsalted butter and icing sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, indicating well-incorporated air and smooth texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the wet ingredients. Stir the mixture gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Divide the dough rolled into 12 equal balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking tray. Using two fingerprints, gently press into the center of each ball to create a heart-shaped indentation for the jam filling.
- Fill with Cherry Jam: Spoon or carefully fill the heart-shaped cavity in each cookie with the cooled cherry jam, ensuring not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies feel set.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely for about 15 minutes, or until firm to touch, before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Finely chopping cherries helps the jam cook down evenly and thicken properly.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour and cornstarch to keep cookies tender.
- You can use fresh or frozen cherries for the jam; just thaw frozen cherries beforehand.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
