Valentine’s Day Love Letter Cookies to Gift

These Valentine’s Day Love Letter Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate love! Made with a tender shortcrust pastry and filled with delicious strawberry jam, these cookies resemble tiny love letters sealed with a heart. They’re not only adorable but also irresistibly tasty—ideal for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with your loved ones.

What Are Love Letter Cookies?

Love Letter Cookies are a creative and festive twist on classic jam-filled cookies. The dough is shaped into small envelopes, symbolizing love letters, and sealed with a tiny red heart. This charming Valentine’s Day treat is reminiscent of traditional Linzer cookies but features a fun, envelope-like presentation.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

One of the main reasons everyone will love these cookies is that the simple shortcrust dough comes together quickly. The charming love letter shape makes them perfect for sharing with your loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Their rich, crumbly texture pairs beautifully with the sweet jam filling. You can swap the strawberry jam for raspberry, apricot, or even chocolate spread.

Pro Tips for Perfect Love Letter Cookies

• Use Cold Butter: this helps achieve a perfectly crumbly shortcrust texture.
• Chill the Dough: refrigerating prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.
• Seal the Envelopes Well: lightly brushing the edges with water ensures the dough sticks.
• Don’t Overfill with Jam: too much filling can cause leaks while baking.
• Use a Piping Bag for Precision: a piping bag helps control jam placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make The Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and shaping.

What Other Fillings Can I Use?

Raspberry, apricot, or any fruit jam work well. You can also use Nutella or dulce de leche.

Can I Decorate These Cookies With Icing Instead of Jam?

Absolutely! You can use royal icing or melted white chocolate to decorate the envelopes and hearts for a different look and flavor.

How Do I Prevent The Cookies From Spreading?

Make sure to chill the dough before rolling and after shaping to maintain their structure.

Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust Instead?

While possible, homemade dough provides a richer, more delicate texture.

How to Freeze

• Freezing Before Baking: Shape the cookies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2 minutes to the bake time.
• Freezing After Baking: Cool completely, then layer cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Store

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer them slightly crispier, store them uncovered for the first 24 hours.

How to Make Love Letter Cookies

In a large bowl, mix the cubed butter and flour with your hands until the mixture resembles wet sand. Stir in the powdered sugar. Mix in the egg and lemon zest, kneading until a smooth dough forms.

Separate a small portion of the dough, add a few drops of red food coloring, and knead until evenly colored.

Wrap both portions (white and red) in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Roll out the chilled dough and cut into small squares, about 2.5×2.5 inches (6×6 cm).

Place a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of each square. Lightly brush the edges with water. Fold two opposite corners to the center, press gently to seal, then fold the bottom edge to complete the envelope shape.

Use the red dough to cut out tiny hearts and place them in the center of the sealed cookies.

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake cookies on a lined baking sheet for 10 minutes, or until slightly golden. Let them cool completely before serving.