Love Letter Cookies Recipe: A Sweet and Romantic Valentine’s Day Treat!

These Love Letter Cookies are the perfect way to surprise your Valentine! Made with buttery shortcrust pastry and a sweet strawberry jam filling, these adorable envelope-shaped cookies capture the romance of handwritten love letters. They’re crisp, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and easy to make at home. Whether you’re gifting them to someone special or treating yourself, these unique Valentine’s Day cookies are guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It's romantic and unique. The cute love letter design makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day.
• The shortbread-like dough has a delicate butter flavor, that melts in your mouth.
• Also, the strawberry jam filling adds the perfect fruity, and tangy touch.
• You can use different jams or add chocolate for variety. These cookies make a thoughtful homemade Valentine’s present.

What Are Love Letter Cookies?

Love Letter Cookies are buttery, envelope-shaped cookies filled with jam, designed to resemble a folded letter with a heart-shaped seal. Originating as a creative Valentine’s Day treat, they combine the classic flavors of shortbread and fruit preserves. They’re simple to make yet look elegant and festive, making them perfect for special occasions.

Expert Tips for the Best Love Letter Cookies

• Use Cold Butter: this helps create a flaky, tender cookie texture.
• Chill the Dough: refrigerate for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading.
• Roll Evenly: aim for ¼-inch thickness for uniform baking.
• Use a Sharp Knife: clean edges help maintain the envelope shape.
• Seal the Cookies Well: press down gently to keep the “letter” closed while baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Filling?

Yes! You can use raspberry jam, Nutella, peanut butter, or even lemon curd for a twist.

What If I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Cutter?

Use a small knife to carefully cut out heart shapes or use a bottle cap as a guide.

Why Did My Dough Crack?

If the dough is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before rolling.

Can I Make the Dough in Advance?

Absolutely! Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

How Do I Keep My Cookies from Becoming Soft?

Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

How to Freeze Love Letter Cookies

Freeze unfilled cookies in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and fill with jam before eating.

How to Store Love Letter Cookies

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

How To Make Love Letter Cookies

In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Use your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt, then knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.

After chilling, lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Trim the edges to form a large rectangle, then cut it into smaller squares (about 3 inches per side). Use a small knife or cutter to create tiny heart shapes from the dough scraps.

Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam onto the center of each square. Fold in two opposite corners toward the center to create an envelope shape.

Seal with a small dough heart where the folds meet. Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden.

Let them cool completely before serving.