Jam Cookies

Introduction

Jam Cookies are soft, buttery treats filled with sweet and fruity jam that melt in your mouth with every bite. These classic cookies are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite jams or preserves. Their delicate flavor and beautiful appearance make them perfect for special occasions, holidays, or as an everyday sweet indulgence.

I first baked these cookies when I wanted a simple yet elegant dessert to share with friends. The result was nothing short of delightful—the cookies were tender and the jam added a burst of flavor that everyone loved. What’s great about Jam Cookies is their versatility. You can experiment with different fruit jams, from raspberry and strawberry to apricot or even a tangy lemon curd.

The dough comes together quickly, and the filling can be made in just minutes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Afternoon tea
• Gifting
• Cookie swaps
• Family-friendly baking

Why You’ll Love This Jam Cookies

Here’s why Jam Cookies will become a favorite in your home:

• Soft and Buttery Texture: The dough creates tender cookies with a delicate crumb.
• Customizable Filling: Use any jam flavor you love—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even mixed berry.
• Simple to Make: Requires just a few pantry staples and minimal effort.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant jam centers make these cookies a stunning addition to any dessert table.
• Great for All Ages: Kids and adults alike enjoy these timeless cookies.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 90-100 calories per cookie
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 12g, Fat: 4g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Jam Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite flavor)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The key to a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
• Jam: Provides a sweet, fruity filling that can be tailored to your preference.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional for a light dusting that adds a professional, elegant touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Jam Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk.

Shape and Fill the Cookies:

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll the Dough: Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Make Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press into the center of each dough ball, creating a small well for the jam.
7. Add Jam: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Be careful not to overfill to prevent the jam from spilling out during baking.

Bake and Cool:

8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

How to Serve Jam Cookies

Jam Cookies can be enjoyed in many ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
• On a Dessert Platter: Include them on a cookie or dessert platter for parties or gatherings.
• As a Gift: Wrap them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• With Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips for Jam Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Jam Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Homemade Jam: Homemade jam or preserves often have a richer flavor compared to store-bought varieties, making your cookies even more special.
• Avoid Overfilling: When adding the jam to the cookies, make sure not to overfill the center, as it may spill over while baking.
• Choose Thick Jam: Use thick jam or fruit preserves that won’t run out of the cookie easily while baking. Thinner jams tend to spread too much.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to use different types of jam such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even a mix for a unique flavor profile.
• Add Zest for Extra Flavor: Adding a bit of citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) to the cookie dough can enhance the overall taste and pair beautifully with fruity jams.
• Opt for Room Temperature Butter: Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Try a Powdered Sugar Dusting: After the cookies cool down, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Add Nuts for Texture: Chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, can be mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Jam cookies tend to soften after a day or two, so storing them in an airtight container will help maintain their freshness and texture.

Recipe Variations for Jam Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Jam Cookies:

1. Chocolate-Dipped Jam Cookies: Dip half of each baked cookie in melted chocolate and let it set.
2. Nutty Jam Cookies: Roll the dough balls in chopped nuts before adding the jam.
3. Coconut Jam Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
4. Spiced Jam Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm flavor.
5. Lemon Jam Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a zesty touch, and use lemon curd instead of jam.
6. Peanut Butter Jam Cookies: Replace some of the butter with peanut butter and fill with grape jam.
7. Double Jam Cookies: Use two different jam flavors and swirl them together in the center.
8. Gluten-Free Jam Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
9. Almond Jam Cookies: Add almond extract to the dough and use apricot jam for a complementary flavor.
10. Holiday Jam Cookies: Use red and green jams (e.g., raspberry and kiwi) for a festive look.

Freezing and Storage for Jam Cookies

• Freezing: Unbaked dough balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly, make indentations, add jam, and bake as directed.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment for Jam Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Jam Cookies easier:

• Mixing Bowls – To mix ingredients together.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer – For easier creaming of butter and sugar.
• Baking Sheets – To place the cookies on while baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats – To prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
• Cookie Cutters – To shape the dough into uniform cookies.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer – To sift the flour and other dry ingredients.
• Rolling Pin – To roll out the dough evenly.
• Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop – For portioning out dough.
• Basting Brush – To apply egg wash or glaze, if needed.
• Cooling Rack – To cool cookies after baking and prevent sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions for Jam Cookies

1. Can I use other fillings besides jam?
   Yes, you can use chocolate spread, caramel, lemon curd, or even a nut butter as a filling.
2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
   This can happen if the butter was too warm. Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
4. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
5. How do I prevent the jam from bubbling over?
   Avoid overfilling the indentations and use thick jam or preserves.

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Conclusion

Jam Cookies are a timeless classic that are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a party, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them. Their soft texture and fruity centers make them a delightful treat for any occasion.

This recipe is as fun to prepare as it is to enjoy, making it perfect for everything from family baking sessions to special celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these jam cookies will bring a burst of sweetness to any moment.

I’d love to see how your Jam Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!