Here’s a detailed recipe for baking jam cookies, a delightful treat that combines buttery cookie goodness with sweet, fruity jam. This recipe will guide you through each step to create approximately 24 jam-filled cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)
For Dusting (optional):
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
5. Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. With your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. The indentation will hold the jam filling.
6. Add the Jam
Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of your chosen fruit jam or preserves. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam can spread during baking and may run out of the cookies.
7. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool and Dust
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, once the cookies are fully cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Tips for Success
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve the right texture in the cookies.
- Jam Consistency: If your jam is too thick, you can warm it slightly to make it easier to spoon into the cookie centers.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
These jam cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Their buttery base pairs wonderfully with the sweet, fruity jam, making each bite a delightful experience. Enjoy baking and indulging in these sweet treats!
