Introduction
Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This recipe combines the richness of buttery cookies with a fruity jam filling. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these cookies are simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Follow the steps below to bake a batch of delicious jam-filled cookies.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2½ cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
½ cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or any other flavor, mixed well to loosen)
225 g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg (at room temperature, 50-55 g/2 oz)
¾ cup caster sugar (superfine sugar; regular granulated sugar is also acceptable)
¼ teaspoon cooking salt (kosher salt)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced ovens. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy, approximately 1½ minutes on medium speed using an electric beater or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract, egg, and salt to the creamed mixture. Beat for about 20 seconds until well combined. The mixture may appear slightly split but will come together upon adding the flour.
4. Add Flour: Gradually add the plain flour to the mixture. Beat until no visible white flour remains. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
5. Form Cookies: Measure out 1 tablespoon of the crumbly dough, tightly packed. Press the mixture in your hand to form a pliable dough, then roll it into a smooth ball approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter. Flatten the ball into a disc about 1.25 cm (½ inch) thick. Use your thumb to make an indent in the center of the disc.
6. Arrange on Baking Tray: Place the formed cookies on the prepared baking trays, leaving about 3.5 cm (1.5 inches) of space between each.
7. Fill with Jam: Fill each indent with approximately ½ teaspoon of the loosened jam. Ensure the jam is level with the surface of the cookie to prevent overflow during baking.
8. Bake: Place both trays in the oven and bake for 14 minutes, or until the edges are light golden and the surface is pale golden. Rotate and switch the trays between shelves at the 10-minute mark to ensure even baking.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the trays. The residual heat will finish cooking the bases. Once cooled, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced ovens. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy, approximately 1½ minutes on medium speed using an electric beater or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the vanilla extract, egg, and salt to the creamed mixture. Beat for about 20 seconds until well combined. The mixture may appear slightly split but will come together upon adding the flour.
Add Flour
Gradually add the plain flour to the mixture. Beat until no visible white flour remains. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Form Cookies
Measure out 1 tablespoon of the crumbly dough, tightly packed. Press the mixture in your hand to form a pliable dough, then roll it into a smooth ball approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter. Flatten the ball into a disc about 1.25 cm (½ inch) thick. Use your thumb to make an indent in the center of the disc.
Arrange on Baking Tray
Place the formed cookies on the prepared baking trays, leaving about 3.5 cm (1.5 inches) of space between each.
Fill with Jam
Fill each indent with approximately ½ teaspoon of the loosened jam. Ensure the jam is level with the surface of the cookie to prevent overflow during baking.
Bake
Place both trays in the oven and bake for 14 minutes, or until the edges are light golden and the surface is pale golden. Rotate and switch the trays between shelves at the 10-minute mark to ensure even baking.
Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the trays. The residual heat will finish cooking the bases. Once cooled, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
Butter Temperature
Ensure the unsalted butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and to achieve a creamy texture.
Jam Consistency
Mix the jam well before use to ensure it is loosened and easy to pour into the cookie indents.
Cookie Size
For uniform baking, try to make the cookie balls the same size. Adjust baking time if your cookies are larger or smaller.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating your oven is essential for even baking. Set it to the required temperature before placing any items inside to ensure that your cookies bake properly.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Creaming involves beating softened butter with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving cookies a lighter texture. Use a stand mixer or electric beater for best results.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Incorporate wet ingredients into the creamed mixture gradually, ensuring that they are fully blended. This helps maintain the right consistency and flavor throughout the dough.
Adding Flour
When adding flour, do so gradually and mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be crumbly but still hold its shape when pressed.
Forming Cookies
When shaping your cookies, pack the dough tightly into tablespoons before rolling into balls. Flattening the balls into discs helps them bake evenly and provides a surface for the jam filling.
Arranging on Baking Tray
Space the cookies evenly on the baking tray to allow for spreading. A distance of about 1.5 inches prevents them from merging during baking.
Filling with Jam
Fill each indent with a small amount of jam, ensuring it’s level with the surface of the cookie. This prevents overflow, which can create a mess in the oven.
Baking
Monitor your cookies closely as they bake. Rotate the trays halfway through for even heat distribution. Look for light golden edges and a pale golden surface as indicators that they are done.
Cooling Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on the baking tray to finish the cooking process. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle when transferring to a cooling rack.
FAQ
Can I use different types of jam?
Yes, you can use any flavor of jam you prefer. Just ensure it’s loosened for easy filling.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is too crumbly, you can add a small amount of milk or water to bring it together.
Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Yes, you can cream the butter and sugar by hand using a wooden spoon, though it may take a bit more effort.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for several days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into balls, freeze, and then bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion
These delightful jam-filled cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of buttery texture and fruity sweetness. The added vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with family and friends!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Hazelnut Jam Cookies
Replace the strawberry or raspberry jam with chocolate hazelnut spread for a rich, nutty flavor.
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies
Use lemon curd instead of jam for a zesty and refreshing twist on the classic cookie.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Add a layer of peanut butter before filling the indents with grape or raspberry jam for a nostalgic flavor combination.
Coconut Macadamia Cookies
Incorporate shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts into the dough for a tropical touch.
Spiced Apple Butter Cookies
Use spiced apple butter instead of jam for a warm, autumn-inspired cookie variation.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add mint extract and chocolate chips to the dough, filling the indents with mint chocolate spread for a refreshing dessert.
