Valentine Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

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If you’re looking to charm someone special with a sweet, homemade treat, this Valentine Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture delicate, buttery heart-shaped cookies sandwiched together with luscious, fruity strawberry jam that bursts with flavor in every bite. These cookies are not only utterly delicious but also perfect for celebrating love, friendship, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. The combination of a tender cookie, a hint of vanilla, and the bright strawberry preserves creates a dessert that feels as thoughtful as it tastes. Let me take you through every step so you can whip up a batch that’s as delightful to make as it is to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Valentine Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver a tender cookie with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Each item plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect cookie, from the richness of the butter to the slight tang of cream of tartar that keeps everything light and airy.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy but tender base for these cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
• 1 tablespoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a gentle tang and stabilizes the dough for perfect crisp edges.
• 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (softened): Gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to that delicate crumb.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided): Enhances overall flavor with a subtle aromatic sweetness.
• 2 egg whites: Used for the frosting to create a light and fluffy finish.
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites for fluffy frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to hold shape.
• 1 container pink sanding sugar: Adds a festive sparkle and gentle crunch on top.
• 2 cups strawberry preserves jam: Provides the luscious, fruity filling that brings these Valentine Sandwich Cookies to life.

How to Make Valentine Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. This simple act ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect results.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a large bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly before adding them to wet ones keeps the dough uniform and easy to work with.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Then, add the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This step ensures your dough will be flavorful and light.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients one cup at a time, stirring gently after each addition. This gradual approach prevents the dough from getting too dense and helps maintain that perfect tender texture.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your cutting board and knead the combined dough just until it comes together. This gives it a uniform consistency without overworking it and risking toughness.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Shapes

Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness, then cut 24 heart-shaped cookies. Remember, half the cookies will have a smaller heart cut out from the center to create that lovely sandwich window.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350 degrees for 15 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Then, allow them to cool completely before moving on—this step is crucial, so your frosting and jam don’t melt or slide off.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Beat the egg whites and 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the 2 cups of powdered sugar and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy. Spread this frosting on the solid cookies and sprinkle pink sanding sugar on top for sparkling charm.

Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread strawberry preserves on the bottom side of the cookies with the cut-out hearts, then carefully place the frosted cookies on top to create a delightful sandwich. The vibrant red jam peeks through the heart-shaped window, making these cookies irresistibly romantic.

How to Serve Valentine Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, try dusting the assembled sandwiches with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a small edible flower on the side. Fresh strawberries can also be a colorful, tasty garnish that ties beautifully into the strawberry jam filling.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful cookies with a cup of hot tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a fruity pink lemonade to complement their flavor. They also go wonderfully alongside a simple cheese board for a charming afternoon gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Place the sandwich cookies on a tiered serving tray with fresh rose petals scattered around for a romantic effect. Wrapping each cookie individually in cellophane with a ribbon can make for a lovely party favor or gift that shows how much you care.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Valentine Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain their crunch and preserves the jam’s luscious flavor.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unassembled cookies separately, wrapped well in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before frosting and filling to maintain optimal texture.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and don’t require reheating. However, if you prefer a warm treat, gently heat one cookie in the microwave for about 5-7 seconds, just enough to soften the jam slightly without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! While strawberry preserves are perfect for the Valentine Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe, raspberry, cherry, or apricot jams all work wonderfully and provide a delicious twist.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

If cream of tartar is not available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to help stabilize the egg whites and maintain the dough’s texture.

How do I prevent the frosting from getting too runny?

Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form before adding sugar. Also, incorporate the sugar slowly and avoid adding any extra liquid to keep the frosting thick enough to hold its shape.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, and you should get a similar texture and taste. Just be mindful of any adjustments in flour-to-liquid ratio depending on your blend.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these sandwich cookies can stay fresh for up to five days. The flavor and texture are at their best within this timeframe.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Valentine Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Jam Recipe because it captures the joy and sweetness of homemade baking in the most charming way imaginable. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or simply treating yourself, these heart-shaped delights are sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for some baking magic that tastes as wonderful as it looks!

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