The Best Jam Cookies Recipe

Jam cookies are a timeless classic, offering the perfect combination of buttery richness and fruity sweetness in every bite. These cookies, with their crisp edges and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, are filled with a dollop of strawberry jam that adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness. Not only are these cookies a delight to the taste buds, but they are also a visual treat with their beautiful jam center that adds a pop of color. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, preparing a snack for the family, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these jam cookies will surely become a favorite.

What makes this jam cookie recipe stand out is its simplicity. Made with just a few pantry staples, the dough comes together quickly, and the jam filling adds a burst of flavor that transforms these cookies into something truly special. Light and buttery, these cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a subtly sweet treat with a little extra something. Additionally, the flexibility of the recipe allows you to customize the jam filling with your favorite flavor, making them a versatile option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This jam cookie recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

2. Customizable Filling

While the recipe calls for strawberry jam, you can easily swap it with any of your favorite fruit jams or preserves, such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry.

3. Perfectly Balanced Flavor

The buttery cookies combined with the sweet-tart jam create a perfect balance of flavors that isn’t too sweet, making them irresistible.

4. Versatile Serving Options

These cookies are ideal for various occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal events, and can even be packed into lunchboxes.

5. Easy to Make

With minimal prep time and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced home cooks looking for an easy yet delicious treat.

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Ingredients

For the Jam Cookies

• Unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• Icing sugar (sifted, plus extra for dusting)
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour (sifted, plus extra for rolling)
• Strawberry jam

Variations

• Different Jam Flavors: Feel free to substitute strawberry jam with raspberry, apricot, or any other jam that you love.
• Add a Dash of Spice: For a little extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Chocolate Chip Jam Cookies: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for a richer, more indulgent flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with the sifted icing sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until combined. Gradually sift the flour into the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (or any shape of your choice) to cut out the cookies.

Step 3: Create the Jam Wells

Place half of the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press a small indentation into the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add the Jam Filling

Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into the center of each cookie, being careful not to overfill it.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Dust with Icing Sugar

Once the cookies are fully cooled, dust them with a light sprinkling of extra sifted icing sugar for a finishing touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to handle while rolling, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature to ensure that the dough comes together smoothly and that the cookies have a tender texture.
• Don’t Overfill with Jam: Only a small spoonful of jam is needed in the center of each cookie to avoid overflow while baking.
• Flour the Rolling Surface: Be sure to flour your rolling surface to prevent the dough from sticking. You can also dust your rolling pin with flour to make rolling easier.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake since the baking time may vary depending on your oven and cookie size.

How to Serve

These jam cookies are perfect for an afternoon tea, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter and are great for sharing at gatherings. Serve them on their own as a sweet snack, or pack them into a gift box for a thoughtful homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store the jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Be sure to keep them in a dry place to maintain their freshness.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, you can use any jam or preserve that you prefer, such as raspberry, apricot, or blackberry.

2. How thick should I roll out the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure the cookies bake evenly without becoming too thick or too thin.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it soften slightly before rolling it out.

4. How long should I bake the cookies?

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can become too crisp.

5. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While it’s best to use unsalted butter, you can use salted butter if needed. Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

6. How can I make the cookies more flavorful?

You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of almond extract to the dough to enhance the flavor.

7. Can I freeze the jam cookies after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies after baking. Be sure to allow them to cool completely before freezing.

8. Can I substitute the icing sugar with regular sugar?

Icing sugar (powdered sugar) is recommended for the best texture, but you can use regular sugar if you don’t have any on hand.

9. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is optional but can make it easier to handle, especially if the dough becomes soft while rolling.

10. Can I add chocolate to the jam cookies?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cookies for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

These jam cookies are a delightful treat that are simple to make yet full of flavor. With their buttery texture and sweet, tangy jam filling, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, sharing them with loved ones, or enjoying them as an everyday snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With the flexibility to customize the jam flavor and a few easy steps to follow, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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