Jam “Jewel” Cookies are a beautiful and delicious treat, with a sweet and fruity jam filling that looks like a jewel in the center of each cookie. These buttery cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday or a simple afternoon snack. Here's a simple recipe to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fruit jam or jelly (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or your favorite jam)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until combined.
2. Combine the dry and wet ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
3. Shape the cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Using your thumb (or the back of a spoon), gently press into the center of each ball to create a small indentation. Be careful not to press all the way through.
4. Fill with jam:
- Spoon a small amount of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation. Aim for about 1/2 teaspoon of jam per cookie, ensuring it stays in the center and doesn't overflow.
5. Bake the cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure the jam doesn’t spill over and burn.
6. Cool and serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration (optional).
Tips:
- Jam alternatives: You can use any type of fruit jam or jelly that you prefer. Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and blueberry are all great choices.
- Cookie shapes: If you want to get creative, you can use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into fun shapes before adding the jam.
- Thick jam: If your jam is too runny, cook it down a little to thicken it before using it as a filling.
These Jam “Jewel” Cookies are a perfect balance of buttery, soft cookie and sweet jam, making them a delightful treat for any occasion!