Jam cookies are a delightful treat featuring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base filled with sweet and fruity jam. Perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or as a simple homemade gift, these cookies are easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery and soft texture with a jam-filled center
- Simple to prepare with basic ingredients
- Customizable with different jam flavors
- Perfect for any occasion or gifting
- Kid-friendly and fun to make
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite flavor)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Roll dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create an indent: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press into the center of each dough ball, forming a small well.
- Fill with jam: Spoon a small amount of jam into each well, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Nutty flavor: Add finely chopped nuts or use almond extract for a twist.
- Citrus zest: Mix in lemon or orange zest for a bright flavor.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies for extra indulgence.
- Different jams: Try apricot, blackberry, or fig jam for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Enjoy them at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a freshly baked feel.
FAQs
How do I prevent my jam cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help retain their shape.
Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes! Any high-quality jam works well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the jam from spilling over?
Do not overfill the indentations, and use a thicker jam if needed.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What’s the best way to store jam cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I use different flavors in one batch?
Absolutely! Use a variety of jams for a colorful assortment.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
What type of jam works best?
Thicker jams or preserves work best to avoid excessive spreading.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
How do I make the cookies extra soft?
Avoid overbaking, and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.
Conclusion
The best jam cookies are simple yet irresistible, combining a buttery cookie base with a delicious fruit filling. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, given as a gift, or made for a special occasion, these cookies are a classic treat that everyone will love.
PrintThe Best Jam Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European / Classic
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These buttery jam cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a fruity jam center. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and can be customized with different jam flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or your favorite)
- Optional: 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt, forming a soft dough.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch / 2.5cm each).
- Place on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches (5cm) apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill with Jam:
- Spoon ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- (Optional) Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once cool, lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use different jam flavors for variety (or mix flavors in one batch!).
- If the jam spreads too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- For extra crunch, roll dough balls in granulated sugar before baking.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Recipe Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~120
- Sugar: Once cool, lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Sodium: ~20mg
- Fat: ~6g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~1.5g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Fiber: ~0.3g
- Protein: ~1.2g
- Cholesterol: ~20mg
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