If you are searching for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Jam Filled Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, buttery cookies nestle a sweet dollop of vibrant fruit jam right in the center, creating a perfect harmony of rich, creamy dough and bright, fruity flavor that melts in your mouth. They’re a timeless classic, ideal for sharing with loved ones or savoring alongside your afternoon tea. Once you make them, you’ll discover just how easy baking something so charming can be, and this recipe will quickly become your go-to for festive gatherings or everyday joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple but indispensable, coming together to create that perfect cookie texture and flavor. Understanding why each component is important helps you appreciate the magic behind this classic treat.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The heart of these cookies, providing richness and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional): A subtle nutty note that complements fruit jams beautifully without overpowering.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure-giver that makes the cookies hold their shape with a tender bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves: The star filling that bursts with flavor; raspberry, strawberry, and apricot are favorites for their bright and fresh profiles.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A delicate finishing touch that adds a hint of extra sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Jam Filled Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfection, preventing sticking and ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial to creating a soft texture and a tender bite in your cookies, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Flavors
Mix in the vanilla extract and, if you choose, the almond extract. These extracts infuse the dough with complementary flavors that will beautifully highlight the jam you select.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle and watch your dough come together with a light, pliable texture.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Then, use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the magic happens—the jam will rest in these little nests.
Step 6: Fill with Jam
Carefully spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation. Be mindful not to overfill, or the jam may bubble over during baking, but don’t be shy about getting a generous dollop of flavor in there!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a bit different and you want them soft with just a hint of crispness on the outside.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Dusting
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if you wish for that extra touch of sweetness and an elegant look.
How to Serve Jam Filled Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Jam Filled Butter Cookies Recipe experience, consider garnishing them with a tiny fresh berry atop the jam center or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts for some crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, festive look and a gentle sweetness that pairs well with tea or coffee.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, making them an ideal companion for a cozy afternoon break. For a brunch spread, they complement creamy cheeses and fresh fruit beautifully, enhancing their fruity filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the joy! Arrange your jam-filled cookies on a decorative platter in a circular pattern to showcase the colorful jam centers. You can also sandwich smaller cookies with jam or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for a fancy twist that dazzles guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, perfect for nibbling on over several days or sharing with friends.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough balls, freeze on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer wrapped tightly; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy warm cookies, gently reheat them in a low oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and allows the jam to feel luscious and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use any type of jam for this Jam Filled Butter Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry, strawberry, and apricot are classic favorites, feel free to experiment with blueberry, cherry, or even marmalade. Just choose a jam with a smooth texture to fill the centers neatly.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
Use about 1/2 teaspoon of jam for each indentation and avoid overfilling. Making a well that’s slightly deeper than wide helps contain the jam, and chilling the dough before baking can also reduce spreading.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract is optional and adds a lovely nuance, but your cookies will still be delicious without it. Vanilla alone provides plenty of flavor depth.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check that the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to ensure proper texture.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage, retaining their wonderful flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Jam Filled Butter Cookies Recipe is a joyful experience that delivers delicious, timeless results every time. Whether you’re baking for holidays, gifting, or simply indulging a sweet craving, these cookies embody warmth, simplicity, and love baked into every bite. So grab your favorite jam and butter, and let these charming cookies brighten your kitchen and your day!
Print
Jam Filled Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jam Filled Butter Cookies are tender, buttery, and perfectly sweet, featuring a delightful dollop of fruit jam in the center. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a classic treat, they combine a rich buttery dough with a burst of raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling & Topping
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or hand whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender texture.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract to infuse the dough with aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough using a spoon or cookie scoop and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press an indentation in the center of each dough ball; this will hold the jam filling during baking.
- Fill with Jam: Carefully spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation, being cautious not to overfill to prevent bubbling over during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and a festive look.
Notes
- Experiment with different flavors of jam such as blueberry, cherry, or fig for unique variations.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Avoid overfilling the jam to prevent it from spilling over while baking.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Perfect for holiday baking and gifting.
