The Best Jam Cookies

Jam cookies are a timeless treat that combines the delicate, crumbly texture of a buttery cookie with the sweet, fruity burst of jam in the center. These cookies are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just because, these jam-filled cookies will steal the show with their irresistible flavor and inviting appearance. The balance of sweetness from the jam and the softness of the cookie makes each bite a moment of pure delight.

What makes these jam cookies the best is the simplicity and versatility of the recipe. You can use any type of jam you prefer—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even a tangy lemon curd—giving you endless opportunities to experiment with different flavors. These cookies are also ideal for holiday baking, as they look beautiful when arranged on a cookie tray and make excellent gifts. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, these jam cookies will always be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweetness

The combination of buttery cookies and fruity jam creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite.

2. Simple Ingredients

With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to make, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

3. Customizable Flavors

Choose any jam or fruit preserve you like! From classic strawberry to exotic flavors like blueberry or peach, you can create a cookie that suits your taste.

4. Great for Gifting

These cookies have a charming appearance with their vibrant jam centers, making them perfect for packaging and gifting during holidays or special occasions.

5. Delicious Texture

The cookies are buttery and soft, and the jam creates a delightful burst of flavor. The jam also adds a chewy contrast to the crispiness of the cookie edges.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Jam or fruit preserves (any flavor you prefer)

Variations

• Citrus Jam Cookies: Use marmalade or lemon curd instead of berry jams for a zesty, citrusy version.
• Nutty Jam Cookies: Add chopped nuts (like almonds or hazelnuts) to the dough for a crunchy texture alongside the soft jam.
• Chocolate Jam Cookies: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey twist, and pair it with raspberry or strawberry jam for a perfect combination.
• Vegan Jam Cookies: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Make an Indentation

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. This will create a small well to hold the jam.

Step 7: Add the Jam

Fill each indentation with about a teaspoon of your chosen jam. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam may spill over while baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Thick Jam: Make sure your jam or preserves are not too runny to prevent them from leaking during baking. If the jam is too thin, you can cook it down a little to thicken it up.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This will make rolling and shaping the cookies easier.
• Don’t Overfill: A teaspoon of jam in each indentation is plenty. Too much jam can cause it to spill over during baking.
• Check for Doneness: The cookies are done when the edges are slightly golden but the center remains soft. They will firm up as they cool.

How to Serve

These jam cookies are perfect for serving at tea parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat with coffee or milk. They make a lovely addition to any dessert table and can also be served as a sweet snack after dinner. If you’re gifting them, pack them in a decorative tin or box for a charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and soft for several days, and the jam will maintain its sweetness.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, bake and cool them completely. Then, layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back their soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade jam instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade jam works wonderfully in these cookies, just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape during baking.

2. Can I use jam with seeds in it?

It’s best to use smooth jams or fruit preserves without seeds, but you can use jam with seeds if you don’t mind the texture.

3. Can I make these cookies without an egg?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with a flax egg or other egg replacers like applesauce or mashed bananas.

4. How do I prevent the jam from spilling over?

Don’t overfill the center of each cookie, and be sure to leave a little space around the edges. A small spoon works best for placing the jam.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

6. Can I use any flavor of jam?

Absolutely! Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, peach, or even lemon curd are all delicious options for filling these cookies.

7. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store the dough balls in an airtight container or freezer bag until ready to bake.

8. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, these cookies store well and can be made up to a week ahead of time. They’ll still taste fresh when stored properly in an airtight container.

9. How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?

Chill the dough before baking if it feels too soft. This will help prevent spreading and keep the cookies in their desired shape.

10. Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the dough for an added crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

The Best Jam Cookies are an irresistible combination of buttery, crumbly cookies with a burst of sweet, fruity jam in the center. Simple to make and adaptable to any jam or preserve you have on hand, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, giving them as gifts, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies will bring smiles to everyone who tastes them. So, gather your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy the delightful sweetness of these classic jam-filled cookies!

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