Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the best jam cookies! These little gems are not only scrumptious but super easy to whip up, making them my go-to treat for any occasion. I mean, who doesn’t love a buttery cookie filled with sweet, fruity goodness? They’re perfect for everything from cozy family gatherings to surprise visits from friends. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of buttery dough mixed with jam wafting through my kitchen was enough to make my mouth water! Plus, you can use any jam flavor you like—raspberry, apricot, or even a zesty lemon curd if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, once you try these delightful cookies, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients for the Best Jam Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature for easy creaming
- 1 cup sugar, granulated for that perfect sweetness
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted to ensure a light texture
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, adding a lovely aroma and depth of flavor
- 1 cup fruit jam of your choice, because the flavor possibilities are endless!
How to Prepare the Best Jam Cookies
Getting these delicious jam cookies ready is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through it! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures even baking. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together your softened butter and sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this step, but you can absolutely do it by hand—just make sure it’s nice and fluffy! It usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Once your butter and sugar are all creamy and combined, it’s time to add in the flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just blended; don’t overdo it! Now, here comes the fun part: roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t crowd them; give each cookie some breathing room!
Next, use your thumb to make a little indent in the center of each ball—this is where the jam will go! Speaking of jam, fill each indent with about a teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam. The colors and flavors will make your cookies pop! Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And just like that, you’ve got the best jam cookies ready to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can have these cookies ready to bake in just 20 minutes!
- Easy baking process: With simple steps, even beginner bakers can create these delightful treats.
- Customizable flavors: Use any jam you love—think strawberry, blueberry, or even something exotic!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- They’re a hit with everyone: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the sweet and buttery combination!
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the dough in advance and bake them fresh when you need them.
Tips for Success
Making the best jam cookies is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you nail them! Here are my top tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every single time:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. It should be at room temperature, which helps create that light, fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding flour to the butter and sugar, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be tender and delightful!
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit sticky or hard to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll into balls and helps maintain their shape while baking.
- Jam Selection: Choose a jam that you truly love! Not only will it make the cookies taste amazing, but the flavor will shine through in every bite. Experiment with different combinations for fun!
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be just golden around the edges—overbaking can dry them out!
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up perfectly and prevents them from breaking apart.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best jam cookies that are sure to impress friends and family alike! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying the best jam cookies, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, especially the type of jam. So while you’re enjoying these delightful cookies, just remember to savor each bite!
FAQ About the Best Jam Cookies
Got questions about making the best jam cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop into your mind as you bake these delicious treats:
Can I use store-bought jam?
Absolutely! Store-bought jam works just as well as homemade. Just make sure you choose a flavor you love because that’s what will shine through in your cookies!
What if my dough is too sticky?
Don’t worry if your dough feels a bit sticky; it happens! Just chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it so much easier to handle and roll into balls.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure the blend you choose is suitable for baking to get that perfect texture.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on those edges! You want them to be lightly golden brown. The centers might look a little soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way!
How should I store my jam cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper and pop them in a freezer bag.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve baked up a batch of the best jam cookies and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh? No worries, I’ve got the scoop! To store your cookies, simply place them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy, just how we love them! They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long, because trust me, they’re pretty irresistible!
If you want to enjoy them for longer, you can freeze your jam cookies! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their delicious texture. They’ll keep well for up to two months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to indulge in a frozen cookie, just take out as many as you like and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. Want to warm them up a bit? Pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, and they’ll be just like fresh out of the oven! Enjoy every bite of that jam-filled goodness!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying the best jam cookies, pairing them with the right accompaniments can take your treat to a whole new level! Here are some delightful serving suggestions that I absolutely love:
- A Cup of Tea: There’s something so comforting about enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of tea. Whether it’s a classic Earl Grey or a fruity herbal blend, the flavors complement each other beautifully.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: If you’re more of a coffee lover, pair your jam cookies with a rich, aromatic brew. The buttery sweetness of the cookies balances perfectly with the boldness of the coffee. Yum!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a dessert experience that’s truly indulgent, serve your cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melty ice cream paired with the sweet jam creates a delicious contrast that’s hard to resist.
- Fruit Salad: If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh fruit salad can be a refreshing side. The natural sweetness of the fruits harmonizes with the jam-filled goodness of the cookies.
- Milk: For a classic touch, you can’t go wrong with a glass of cold milk. It’s the perfect pairing that brings back childhood memories of cookie and milk time!
Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, these jam cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy indulging!
Learn more about different types of jam to use in your cookies!
Print
The Best Jam Cookies to Savor: 5 Easy Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious jam-filled cookies that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fruit jam of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make an indent in the center of each ball with your thumb.
- Fill each indent with a teaspoon of jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use any jam flavor you prefer.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: best jam cookies, jam cookies, cookie recipes
