The Best Jam Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats filled with your favorite fruit jam. These cookies are simple to make, visually stunning, and utterly delicious. Whether for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or just a sweet indulgence, these classic cookies are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic and timeless: Perfectly buttery cookies with a fruity jam center.
- Customizable: Use any flavor of jam to suit your taste or the occasion.
- Easy to make: Requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Kid-friendly: Fun for kids to help shape and fill.
- Great for gifting: These cookies are beautiful and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Your favorite fruit jam (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, apricot)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press an indentation into the center of each ball.
- Fill with jam:
- Spoon a small amount of jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake the cookies:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional decoration:
- Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
Variations
- Nutty twist: Add finely ground almonds or hazelnuts to the dough for a nutty flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Chocolate lovers: Fill the cookies with Nutella or chocolate ganache instead of jam.
- Citrus flair: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spiced cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls (without jam) for up to 3 months. Thaw, indent, and fill with jam before baking.
- Reheating: These cookies are best served at room temperature and do not require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes, store-bought jam works perfectly for this recipe. Choose your favorite flavor.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
4. What’s the best way to fill the cookies neatly?
Use a small spoon or piping bag to control the amount of jam and avoid overfilling.
5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
6. How do I prevent the jam from bubbling over?
Avoid overfilling the indentations and use thicker jams or preserves to minimize bubbling.
7. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, adding a drop or two of food coloring can create a fun and festive look.
8. What’s the best way to shape the indentations?
Use your thumb, the back of a teaspoon, or a small measuring spoon for uniform indentations.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients to make a larger batch, but bake in separate batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.
10. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they are perfect for gifting! Pack them in decorative boxes or tins for a thoughtful presentation.
Conclusion
The Best Jam Cookies are a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery texture and vibrant jam centers, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Simple to make and endlessly versatile, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet, homemade treat.
PrintThe Best Jam Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jam Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with your favorite fruit jam. Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or as an everyday treat, they’re a simple yet elegant dessert that will delight everyone with their sweet, fruity centers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, apricot)
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Finely chopped nuts for rolling
Instructions
1. Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll the balls in finely chopped nuts for added texture.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Create the Indentations:
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make a shallow indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam, being careful not to overfill.
5. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve or Store:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Jam Tips: Use a thick jam or preserves to prevent it from spreading too much during baking.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Flavor Variations: Try lemon curd, Nutella, or caramel sauce for unique fillings.