Description
Jam Drops are delightful buttery cookies with a sweet center of fruit jam. These tender cookies are easy to make and perfect for tea time or any snack moment. Soft, buttery, and topped with a dollop of fruity jam, they offer a perfect balance of rich and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
Filling
- 1/4 cup fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the rising agent and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer or wooden spoon, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cookies a tender texture.
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined. Add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth and cohesive.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky, suitable for shaping.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Make the indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball, creating a well for the jam.
- Add the jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation, filling the center of the cookie.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve alongside a cup of tea or as a sweet snack.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for better creaming with the sugar.
- You can customize the jam flavor to your preference; raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work well.
- Do not overbake, as it will make the cookies hard rather than tender.
- For a decorative touch, dust with powdered sugar after cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
