If you’re craving a healthier twist on a nostalgic classic, these Gluten-Free Peanut Butter & Jam Heart Thumbprint Cookies are the ultimate soft-baked treat.

Made without gluten or refined sugar, they deliver that sweet-salty peanut butter richness with a festive jam-filled center that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, lunchbox surprises, or cozy weekend baking.

Each cookie is tender, golden, and naturally sweetened — a family-friendly dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re gluten-free or just love a wholesome cookie, this recipe is a must-save for your seasonal baking lineup.

Aren’t they just the cutest upgrade on your favorite pb&j flavor?!

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Peanut Butter & Jam Heart Thumbprint Cookies

Soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture — these thumbprint cookies are baked to tender perfection with a golden edge and a gooey jam center.
• Gluten-free and dairy-free — made with wholesome ingredients that fit a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Naturally sweetened and refined sugar-free — perfect for health-conscious families who still crave a nostalgic treat.
• Peanut butter and strawberry jam combo — a timeless flavor pairing that brings comfort and joy in every bite.
• Festive heart-shaped centers — ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a little extra love.
• Kid-approved and freezer-friendly — great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or make-ahead dessert trays.
• Easy to make with pantry staples — no complicated steps, just simple ingredients and cozy vibes.

Ingredients

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup coconut sugar, or light brown sugar
1 egg, room temp
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup packed almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup organic strawberry jam

Process

Beat wet ingredients together for cookies
Add in dry ingredients
roll into balls, and then use the end of a spoon to press down twice into the cookie creating a heart shape
If your dough feels too wet or sticky refrigerate for 10 minutes before rolling (it will depend how runny your peanut butter is). You can add another 1-2 tbsp flour if need be as well
Place your jam in a piping bag, or a ziplock with the corn clipped off, and pipe into the heart indent
Bake at 350 for 10-12 min
Right out the oven use a circle cookie cutter to swirl the cookies around within to regain perfect circle shape and sprinkle with flakey sea salt
Allow to cool 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then move to a wire cooling rack
Enjoy!

I love that these cookies just take 1 bowl, a quick rolling of the dough, and just 12 minutes to bake for soft baked perfection!

FAQ & Substitutions

Can I make these peanut butter thumbprint cookies dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as you use a dairy-free peanut butter and jam. No butter required, and the soft-baked texture comes from the peanut butter and gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use a different jam flavor?

Absolutely. Strawberry jam is classic for the heart shape, but raspberry, cherry, or even blueberry jam all work beautifully. Just choose a thicker jam so it doesn’t spread too much while baking.

A homemade chia jam will work well also

Do these cookies freeze well?

Yes — these gluten-free thumbprint cookies freeze perfectly. Freeze them baked (with jam) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.

How do I keep gluten-free cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a small piece of parchment between layers. Gluten-free cookies dry out faster, so airtight storage is key to maintaining that soft-baked texture.

Can I make these peanut butter cookies nut-free?

You can swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to make them nut-free. Just note that sunflower butter may cause a natural green tint when baked — totally safe and normal.

Why did my thumbprint cookies crack?

A few cracks are normal and even add charm. If they crack too much, try rolling the dough balls more thoroughly or pressing the heart shape into the dough more gently.

Can I make the heart shape without a special tool?

Yes — just use the back of a small spoon or your thumb to create the initial indent, then shape the heart with your fingers before adding jam.

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter & Jam Heart Thumbprint Cookies

Print Pin Rate

Servings:

Ingredients

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter softened
2/3 cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar
1 egg room temp
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup packed almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup organic strawberry jam

Instructions

Beat wet ingredients together for cookies
Add in dry ingredients
roll into balls, and then use the end of a spoon to press down twice into the cookie creating a heart shape
If your dough feels too wet or sticky refrigerate for 10 minutes before rolling (it will depend how runny your peanut butter is). You can add another 1-2 tbsp flour if need be as well
Place your jam in a piping bag, or a ziplock with the corn clipped off, and pipe into the heart indent
Bake at 350 for 10-12 min
Right out the oven use a circle cookie cutter to swirl the cookies around within to regain perfect circle shape and sprinkle with flakey sea salt
Allow to cool 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then move to a wire cooling rack
Enjoy!