Jam-Filled Cookies are a delightful treat that bring together the soft, buttery essence of a cookie with the sweet, tangy burst of fruit jam.
These cookies are not only visually appealing but also evoke a nostalgic feeling that takes you back to simpler times spent in the kitchen with loved ones. The contrasting textures—the tender cookie and the luscious jam center—create a sensory delight, making each bite a sweet moment of joy.
This easy, step-by-step recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced pastry chefs. Whether you’re preparing a special treat for your family or whipping up a batch for a gathering, these cookies are bound to impress.
They come together with minimal effort and ingredients, making them an approachable option for anyone craving homemade goodies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the main reasons Jam-Filled Cookies are so beloved is their simplicity. With just a handful of readily available ingredients, these cookies can be prepared in no time, making them an ideal choice for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings. These cookies are also family-friendly—kids love helping with the jam filling, and it’s a great opportunity to teach them about baking!
The traditional method brings out the nostalgic flavors, while the quick prep ensures you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fruits of your labor. Plus, the wide variety of fruit jams available allows for customization, making it easy to create a flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Jam-Filled Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit jam (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, or any preferred flavor)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie. The unsalted butter provides a creamy base, while the granulated sugar adds sweetness, resulting in a cookie that’s perfectly textured. The addition of cornstarch ensures a tender bite, making these cookies melt in your mouth. The fruit jam, rich and vibrant, provides the sweet surprise at the center of each cookie.
Step-by-Step Directions for Jam-Filled Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your finger or the back of a spoon. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of fruit jam.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a sweet touch.
These step-by-step directions are crafted with clarity, ensuring you can follow along with ease, even if you’re a beginner in baking.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft to work with, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.
- Choosing the jam: Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. Mixed berry, apricot, or even lemon curd can provide a unique twist.
- Extra crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top of the jam before baking for a delightful texture contrast.
- Make it seasonal: Use seasonal fruit preserves for a fresh twist during holidays or gatherings.
Those little secrets transform a simple recipe into an extraordinary experience, ensuring you enjoy each batch to its fullest.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Jam-Filled Cookies are visually stunning and can be served in various ways. Present them on a beautiful tiered stand for a tea party or a casual gathering with friends. Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
For adding a festive flair, consider dipping half of each cookie in chocolate and then sprinkling with chopped nuts or sea salt. These delectable pairings will elevate your cookie experience and impress your guests.
Nutritional Information
While Jam-Filled Cookies are undeniably a treat, it’s always good to have a little insight into their nutritional value. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with a slight variation depending on the jam used. The fat content primarily comes from the butter, which contributes to a rich taste, while the carbohydrates from sugar and flour give it that classic cookie texture.
For those indulging, it’s a delightful choice rich in flavor, but moderation is key to balancing out any sweet cravings!
Storing Tips & Variations for Jam-Filled Cookies
Keep your Jam-Filled Cookies fresh and delicious by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer periods, consider freezing the unbaked dough by rolling it into balls and placing them in a freezer bag; bake them straight from the freezer when the craving strikes!
You can also experiment with healthier swaps such as using coconut oil instead of butter, or whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. These variations maintain delicious flavor while offering a slightly healthier alternative if desired.
Conclusion for Jam-Filled Cookies
You won’t want to miss out on these delightful Jam-Filled Cookies! Their soft, tender texture coupled with the sweet surprise of jam makes them an irresistible treat that’s sure to please anyone who takes a bite. Gather your ingredients and your loved ones, and dive into this easy, step-by-step recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
- Can I use homemade jam for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Homemade jam adds a personal touch and unique flavors to your cookies.
- How long will the cookies last?
- If stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to a week at room temperature or longer in the freezer.
- Can I make these cookies vegan?
- Yes! You can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use egg replacers if needed.
- What types of jam work best?
- Any fruit jam that you enjoy works well. Classic flavors like raspberry or strawberry are favorites, but feel free to get creative!
- Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
- Certainly! Mixing in chocolate chips with the dough before baking will create a deliciously indulgent version of these cookies.
Dive into baking these Jam-Filled Cookies today and share the joy with your family and friends!
Jam-Filled Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides a creamy base
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Main structure of cookies
- 1/4 cup cornstarch Ensures a tender bite
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
Jam Filling
- 1 cup fruit jam (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, or any preferred flavor) Sweet center of the cookies
Optional Topping
- as desired powdered sugar for dusting Adds sweetness and decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with about 1 teaspoon of fruit jam.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
