Step1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Step2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this ensures a soft cookie texture.

Step3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!

Step5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.

Step6: Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to a prepared baking sheet.

Step7: Create the “Window” Hearts

Roll out the second disc of dough and cut out the same heart shape. Then, use a smaller heart cutter to remove the center of these cookies, creating a “window” effect.

Step8: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step9: Assemble

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a small amount of jam onto the whole heart-shaped cookies. Top with the “window” cookies and press gently to sandwich them together.

Step10: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Your sweetheart jam cookies are ready to serve!