Classic Heart-Shaped Raspberry Lemon Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread cookies feature a bright lemon zest and a tart raspberry jam center, shaped into charming hearts perfect for Valentine’s or any sweet occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (80 g) raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
- Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and finely grated lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness.
- Use a 2-3 inch (5-7 cm) heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on the baking sheets.
- Place a small dollop (about 1/4 teaspoon) of raspberry jam in the center of each cookie and gently press it in without spreading over the edges.
- Optionally, sprinkle granulated sugar on top of the cookies before baking.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges start to turn golden. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Use softened, not melted butter for best texture. Chill dough before rolling and after cutting to maintain shape. Avoid overmixing once flour is added. If jam oozes, reduce dollop size or chill cookies before baking. Parchment paper yields a crisper bottom than silicone mats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 1.5
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Protein: 1
Keywords: shortbread cookies, raspberry lemon cookies, heart-shaped cookies, Valentine treats, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe