Jam Cookies
It should entice the reader and set the tone for the dish. Jam cookies are the perfect treat for those who love a balance of sweet and tart flavors. These delightful cookies feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base with a generous filling of your favorite fruit preserves. They’re not only simple to make but also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a sweet snack, jam cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit jam (your choice)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 jam cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
One serving of jam cookies (2 cookies) contains approximately 180 calories, 8g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This nutritional information is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and flatten each into a disk.
- Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing half of them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place a teaspoon of jam in the center of each cookie cutout, leaving space around the edges.
- Roll out the second disk and cut out matching shapes, placing them on top of the jam-filled cookies.
- Press the edges to seal and cut a small slit in the top for steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Enjoy experimenting with different types of fruit jams, such as raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd.
Serving and Pairings
These jam cookies pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and make a lovely addition to dessert platters. They can also be served with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until slightly warmed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough may cause cookies to spread too much.
- Using too much jam can lead to overflow during baking.
- Not preheating the oven can affect baking time and texture.
- Skipping the dusting of powdered sugar can make them less visually appealing.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different flavors of jam for variety.
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a cookie cutter with a fun shape for a festive look.
- Keep the dough chilled between batches for best results.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought jam?
Absolutely! Store-bought jam works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. Choose your favorite flavor for a delicious filling.
How do I prevent cookies from sticking?
Using parchment paper on your baking sheets will help prevent sticking. Additionally, ensure your dough is chilled before baking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What types of flour can I use?
You can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or a gluten-free blend. Each type will yield a slightly different texture.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
Jam cookies are a delightful treat that combine buttery cookie goodness with the vibrant flavors of fruit preserves. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet, nostalgic flavors of homemade jam cookies!
Jam Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit jam your choice
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and flatten each into a disk.
- Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing half of them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place a teaspoon of jam in the center of each cookie cutout, leaving space around the edges.
- Roll out the second disk and cut out matching shapes, placing them on top of the jam-filled cookies.
- Press the edges to seal and cut a small slit in the top for steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.