These cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and filled with jam that makes them sparkle like little Christmas jewels. If you are looking for a holiday cookie that is both easy and impressive, this is the one. The soft shortbread-like base pairs perfectly with any jam you love-raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or even your homemade Christmas jam.
The magic is in their simplicity. A quick butter dough, a little thumbprint in the center, and a spoonful of jam. That is all it takes to create a batch of cookies that will disappear faster than you can set them on the plate.
Why You Will Love These Cookies
They are holiday perfect. The bright jam centers look beautiful on cookie trays.
They are versatile. Use your favorite jams to create a colorful variety.
They are easy. No fancy equipment, no long chilling times, just mix, shape, and bake.
They are gift worthy. Pack them into tins for neighbors, teachers, and friends.
Ingredients
- Three quarters cup butter, softened
- Half cup sugar
- Two egg yolks
- One and three quarter cups all-purpose flour
- Half cup jam or preserves, any flavor
Step by Step Directions
Step 1 Prepare Dough
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat butter, sugar, and egg yolks together until light and fluffy. Slowly add flour until dough forms.
Step 2 Shape Cookies
Roll dough into one inch balls. Place on an ungreased baking sheet about two inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small well in the center of each cookie.
Step 3 Fill with Jam
Spoon about half a teaspoon of jam into each well. Do not overfill-just enough to glisten.
Step 4 Bake
Bake for eight to ten minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Tips for the Best Cookies
If the dough feels too soft to roll, chill it for fifteen minutes.
Use high quality butter and jam for the best flavor.
To keep cookies from spreading, chill the filled cookies on the tray for ten minutes before baking.
Try piping the jam into the centers using a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off for a cleaner look.
Variations
Sprinkle the edges with finely chopped nuts before baking for crunch.
Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Use red and gold jams like raspberry and apricot for a Christmas themed tray.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
They can be frozen for up to one month. Layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Christmas Jam Cookies Recipe
Description
A festive holiday cookie that's buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and filled with sparkling jam centers. These Christmas Jam Cookies are simple, versatile, and perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Three quarters cup butter, softened
- Half cup sugar
- Two egg yolks
- One and three quarter cups all-purpose flour
- Half cup jam or preserves, any flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Beat butter, sugar, and egg yolks together until light and fluffy.
- Slowly add flour and mix until dough forms.
- Roll dough into one inch balls. Place on an ungreased baking sheet two inches apart.
- Press a small well in the center of each cookie with your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Spoon about half a teaspoon of jam into each well. Do not overfill.
- Bake for eight to ten minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely before storing.
Notes
If dough is too soft to roll, chill for 15 minutes. For a clean finish, pipe jam using a plastic bag with a snipped corner. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to a month.
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