Valentine Jammy Dodgers are vanilla biscuits with a jammy centre in a heart shape. Easy to make with children or make for your own Valentine.
Valentine Jammy Dodgers
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I intended to make heart-shaped biscuits only, but when I was in IKEA this week, I saw that they had some round Jammy Dodger-type biscuits with hearts cut out of the centre. They looked so appealing that I thought I’d give them a go and actually, I think I prefer them! Anyway, whichever you like, it’s only a matter of choosing your cutter.
These biscuits are a basic vanilla and butter biscuit, which isn’t too rich. Adding the jam makes them a bit more special. I’ve used mostly strawberry and raspberry jam, with the odd apricot one thrown in as it is Keith’s favourite!
Do I need a mixer to make the biscuits?
No, but it takes the hard work out of it. You need to beat the butter and sugar thoroughly and then beat in the egg, so some serious elbow-power is needed. I sometimes have to remind myself that when I cooked biscuits as a child the most assistance I had was a whisk with a handle to turn (but I preferred a wooden spoon), so it really shouldn’t be a deterrent to make these by hand.
A point to note is that the butter needs to be soft, or you’re making more work for yourself.
Do I need a heart cutter for Valentine Jammy Dodgers?
You can use whatever cutters you have. If you make, or intend to make, lots of biscuits, then it’s worth investing in some fancy cutters, but otherwise, a set of round cutters is a good bet. They can have a crinkly edge or a plain edge – I’ve used both here. It’s nice to have a heart cutter for the centres – as it is for Valentine’s Day – but, really, just making the biscuits is a lovely gift for someone (and I hope they’re very grateful!).
Helpful Tools
- Tala heart-shaped cookie cutters – These come in a pack of three and have a plastic top so are comfortable to use. I used the smallest size for my heart-shaped biscuits
- KitchenCraft Assorted Mini Metal Cutters – These little cutters are very useful and include a small heart, ideal for cutting out the centre of the biscuits.
If you like this…
…Why don’t you try:
Valentine Jammy Dodgers
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
- 100 g butter at room temperature
- 175 g castor sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 200 g plain/all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- Strawberry or raspberry jam
- Icing sugar
Equipment
Instructions
Preparation:
- Line the baking sheets with baking parchment, a silicone baking mat or a piece of magic liner
For the Valentine Jammy Dodgers:
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on high
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract
- On slow, mix in the flour until you have a ball of dough
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.Cookie dough is easier to handle when it's cold
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/ 170°C fan/ gas mark 5/ 375°F
- (Very) lightly coat your rolling pin in flour and roll the dough out onto a floured sheet of baking parchment, or without flour onto a silicone mat, to a depth of around 5mm (½cm)
- Press out the biscuits with the large cutter
- Half the biscuits are base biscuits. For the top biscuits, cut out a small heart from the centre
- Transfer the biscuits to the lined baking sheets, putting them in the fridge as you go.Cool biscuits are less likely to spread
- Recombine your dough off-cuts and roll them out again.Try to be fairly quick doing this, as the mixture warms up quickly and get sticky. If it does, just put it back in the fridge to firm up again
- Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes
- Take the biscuits out of the oven, leave on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before sandwiching
- Spread jam on the underside of each base biscuit and cover with a top biscuit, sandwiching them together. Don't take the jam right to the edge or it will ooze
- Optionally dust with icing sugar. Use a tea-strainer or small sieve to get a light dusting
Notes
Everyday Cooks Tips:
Storage:- Store in an airtight container for up to a week
Made this recipe or got a question? Let me know!