The Best Jam Cookies
Table of Contents
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. It instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where she’d let me sneak a taste of the dough as we giggled over flour-dusted countertops. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that captures that nostalgia perfectly — The Best Jam Cookies. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little bites of love, filled with sweet strawberry jam and sprinkled with memories.
Why bake these cookies? Let me tell you, they’re a true game-changer. First, the soft, buttery texture is a comforting hug in cookie form, inviting you to savor each bite. Second, the strawberry jam adds a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the tender crumb of the cookie. Third, they’re an absolute joy to make — simple enough for novice bakers, yet satisfying for seasoned ones. Fourth, they’re versatile; perfect for holiday gatherings, a cozy afternoon tea, or just because you deserve a sweet treat. Finally, these cookies are a family favorite, sure to create new traditions and cherished memories with every batch.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Imagine gathering around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter as you indulge in these jam-filled delights. The Best Jam Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a reminder of the simple joys of being together. With their charming cut-out shapes and dusting of icing sugar, they’re as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. Plus, they’re an excellent way to involve the little ones in the kitchen — a wonderful opportunity to pass down family traditions and create new ones along the way. Trust me, these cookies have a way of bringing people together, making any moment extra special.
Their delightful presentation makes them a centerpiece at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, a holiday celebration, or simply enjoying a cozy family night, these cookies are an ideal accompaniment. The cut-out heart in the middle adds a touch of whimsy and love that can brighten anyone’s day. These cookies don’t just fill your belly; they fill your heart with warmth and joy.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Before we dive into baking, let’s gather our trusty kitchen tools, ensuring our cookie-making adventure is smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment: For effortlessly blending your ingredients to a fluffy perfection. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer will do, but you might need to mix a bit longer to achieve the same fluffiness.
- Plastic wrap: To chill the dough, allowing it to firm up for easy handling. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to just the right thickness. A uniform thickness ensures even baking and a perfect texture.
- 3-inch circle and 1½-inch heart cookie cutters: To create those adorable jam-filled windows. If you don’t have these specific cutters, any shape will do, but try to maintain the size for even baking.
- Parchment-lined baking sheet: For even baking and easy cleanup. Parchment paper prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake uniformly.
- Sifter: Handy for dusting your cookies with icing sugar, adding a beautiful finishing touch. A fine dusting of powdered sugar not only enhances the look but also adds a hint of sweetness.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup icing sugar, sifted, plus extra for dusting
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted, plus extra to roll out the dough
- ½ cup strawberry jam
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat together the butter, icing sugar, salt, and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The key here is to make sure the butter is truly at room temperature for optimal creaminess.
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture and mix until just combined. Form a dough ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Remove the dough from the mixer, knead it lightly by hand into a full ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential as it prevents spreading during baking.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a ¼ inch thickness. Make sure to roll evenly to ensure uniform cookies.
- Use a 3-inch circle cookie cutter to cut out shapes, rerolling the scraps as needed. Make sure your cuts are clean to avoid misshapen cookies.
- Use a 1½-inch heart cookie cutter to cut out the center of half of the circle cookies. This will create the top layer of the cookies and allow the jam to peek through.
- Arrange your cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about an inch apart to allow for even baking.
- Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until the edges are light golden, about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking — a golden edge is what you’re looking for.
- Let the cookies cool completely, then dust icing sugar over the cutout cookies for an elegant finish.
- Spread a generous amount of jam over the bottom of each whole cookie, then top with a cutout cookie, sugar side up. Press gently to sandwich them together.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes • Total Time: 35-40 minutes • Calories: 150 per cookie • Servings: 24
Note: For a festive twist, try using different jam flavors like raspberry or apricot! Each variety brings its own unique flavor profile, making these cookies adaptable to any season or celebration.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
While these cookies are a treat for the soul, they also carry some delightful benefits. The unsalted butter provides richness without overpowering saltiness, allowing the delicate vanilla essence to shine through. Butter is a natural source of fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K. Strawberry jam not only adds a sweet tang but is also rich in antioxidants, making each bite a little healthier. Strawberries are known for their vitamin C content and are a natural immune booster. By opting for all-purpose flour, you ensure these cookies have a light, tender crumb that is both satisfying and comforting.
For those who prefer a slightly healthier twist, consider using whole wheat pastry flour or spelt flour for a nuttier flavor profile. You can also opt for reduced-sugar jams or preserves to decrease the overall sugar content, making them a bit more guilt-free.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for a cozy afternoon break. The gentle, buttery texture of the cookies complements the robustness of a strong coffee or the subtlety of a delicate tea. For a special occasion, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the jam to meld with the creamy texture in a delightful dance of flavors. They’re also perfect companions to a fresh fruit platter, enhancing the natural sweetness of berries and citrus. Consider a bowl of mixed berries or a citrus salad to contrast and highlight the sweetness of the cookies.
If you’re hosting a brunch or dessert buffet, these cookies can be the star of your dessert tray. Their visual appeal and delightful taste will have guests reaching for more, and the variety of jam options can please different palates.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’re planning to make them ahead, freeze the dough instead — it keeps well for up to a month. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out and baking. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies ready for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings.
Leftover cookies? They make a wonderful base for a homemade trifle or crumbled over yogurt for a morning treat. You could also use them as a topping for ice cream or mix them into a homemade cookie-and-cream milkshake. However, you choose to enjoy them, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
There you have it, my dear friends — a recipe that’s as comforting as a hug from grandma herself. Baking these jam cookies is like weaving a tapestry of love, laughter, and sweetness that envelops your home. As you gather around the table, sharing these delightful treats with family and friends, remember that the best recipes are the ones filled with heart.
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The Best Jam Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F. In stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat together butter, icing sugar, salt and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Continuing with the stand mixer, add flour to the mixture until just combined. A ball of dough will begin to form.
- Remove dough from stand mixer, and knead with your hands until a full ball forms, about 1 minute. Wrap in plastic wrap, and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out dough with a rolling pin to ¼ inch thickness. Use extra flour if dough begins to stick.
- Using a 3 inch circle cookie cutter, cut out circle shapes, rerolling and cutting scraps. Using a 1 ½ inch heart cookie cutter, cut out shape in center of half of the circle cookies.
- Arrange whole and cutout cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake on top and bottom racks, rotating and switching pans halfway through, until edges are light golden, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool. Dust icing sugar over cutout cookies.
- Spread jam over bottom of each whole cookie. Place one cutout cookie on top of each whole cookie with jam filling, sugar side up.
