Jam Jewel Cookies

What is Jam Jewel Cookies?

Jam Jewel Cookies are delightful treats that marry the sweetness of buttery cookie dough with the tangy goodness of your favorite jam or jelly. These charming cookies are characterized by their unique design, featuring an inviting thumbprint filled with colorful fruit preserves. Perfect for any occasion, whether as a sweet snack with tea or a festive addition to a cookie platter, they are a timeless classic that brings joy to both bakers and eaters alike.

Ingredients & Measurements for Jam Jewel Cookies

To create these scrumptious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons softened salted butter (like Kirkland grass-fed salted butter)
– 1 ⅔ cups powdered sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup of your favorite jam or jelly

These ingredients come together to form a rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that is sure to impress.

How Long Does It Take to Make Jam Jewel Cookies?

The preparation time for Jam Jewel Cookies is relatively quick, making this recipe ideal for those busy home bakers. Overall, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes mixing and shaping the dough, followed by 12-15 minutes of baking time. In total, your homemade cookie adventure will require approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. With just a little effort, you can create the best Jam Jewel Cookies that are sure to delight friends and family. Enjoy the process and look forward to savoring these delicious treats!

How to Make Jam Jewel Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it reaches the optimal baking temperature for your cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons of softened salted butter and 1 ⅔ cups of powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add 2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. It’s important to ensure these dry ingredients are mixed well before adding them to the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the butter and egg mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough

Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Create Indentations

With your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down in the center of each cookie ball to create an indentation. This is where your jam or jelly will go.

Step 8: Fill with Jam

Spoon a small amount of your favorite jam or jelly (about ½ teaspoon) into each indentation. Choose a flavor that you enjoy; raspberry, apricot, or strawberry work wonderfully.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges are lightly golden for the best homemade flavor.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Jam Jewel Cookies

For easy to make Jam Jewel Cookies, make sure your butter is softened properly, as this affects the creaminess of your dough. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought jam for a quick recipe. For the best homemade results, allow your cookies to cool completely before serving, so they firm up nicely.

Best Cooking Techniques for Jam Jewel Cookies

Creaming the Butter and Sugar Properly

Creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar together is crucial for the texture of your cookies. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will incorporate air and create a tender crumb.

Room Temperature Ingredients

Using eggs that are at room temperature helps to create a smoother batter. Cold eggs can lead to a denser texture, so take your eggs out of the refrigerator beforehand for best results.

Gentle Mixing of Dry Ingredients

When you combine the all-purpose flour and kosher salt with the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle to keep them soft and tender.

Making the Indentations

When creating the indentations for the jam, press gently but firmly to ensure a good cavity for the filling without breaking the dough completely.

Baking Temperature and Time

Be mindful of the baking time and temperature. Baking at 350°F (175°C) and checking around the 12-minute mark can help achieve perfectly golden edges without overbaking, which can dry out the cookies.

FAQs About Jam Jewel Cookies

How long should I cook Jam Jewel Cookies?

Bake your Jam Jewel Cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Can I make Jam Jewel Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling it into balls.

What type of jam or jelly works best for Jam Jewel Cookies?

You can use any flavor of jam or jelly that you prefer! Popular choices include raspberry, apricot, and strawberry, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Why are my Jam Jewel Cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to using warm butter or not chilling the dough. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer; just add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Final Thoughts on Jam Jewel Cookies

The delightful combination of buttery cookie dough and sweet jam filling creates a wonderful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter, Jam Jewel Cookies are sure to impress family and friends. Their tender texture and vibrant colors will not only please your taste buds but also brighten any gathering. Once you perfect these cookies, you’ll be inspired to explore other delicious flavors and variations.

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