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
Scale
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.
