If you’re craving a sweet, buttery treat with a burst of fruity goodness, this Jam Drops Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These delightful little cookies strike the perfect balance between a soft, tender base and a vibrant dollop of jam right in the center, making every bite a nostalgic hug. Whether you choose strawberry, raspberry, or any jam you adore, these cookies are simple to make and absolutely irresistible, perfect for sharing or sneaking a few for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Jam Drops Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie texture and flavor without overwhelming your pantry or your taste buds.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and a gentle crumb to the cookies.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite without being cakey.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich, creamy flavor and the soft texture we all love.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and contributes to the lightness of the cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Egg yolk: Binds the ingredients together and adds a silky texture.
- Milk: Softens the dough for easy shaping and a tender crumb.
- Fruit jam: The star of the show—choose your favorite for that juicy, sweet center in every Jam Drop.
How to Make Jam Drops Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this will keep your cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning so your cookies rise evenly with a well-rounded flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract into your creamed butter mixture. Follow this by stirring in the milk until everything is smooth and creamy—this creates a moist dough ready for the flour.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. You’re aiming for a soft dough that’s easy to handle but not sticky.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a tablespoon. Place them spaced two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet—giving each cookie room to spread without crowding.
Step 7: Create the Jam Indentation
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press the center of each dough ball to make a small well. This indentation is essential to hold that delightful dollop of jam highlighted in our Jam Drops Recipe.
Step 8: Fill with Jam
Spoon approximately half a teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation. Whether you prefer a classic strawberry or a bold raspberry, this bit of sweetness is what takes these cookies over the top.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your oven and let the cookies bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep a close eye so they don’t overbake—soft, tender Jam Drops are the goal.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely and prepare for a sweet treat that’s simply unforgettable.
How to Serve Jam Drops Recipe
Garnishes
While Jam Drops are wonderful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and a touch of extra sweetness. A few fresh mint leaves or tiny edible flowers can also lend a lovely visual appeal, especially when serving guests.
Side Dishes
Jam Drops pair marvelously with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or creamy yogurt for a balanced and inviting snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange Jam Drops on a tiered serving plate alongside other small cookies and pastries. Alternatively, pack them in decorative gift boxes wrapped in cellophane—these charming cookies make perfect homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Jam Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and they will remain soft and delicious. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is a good option, albeit they might firm up slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies easily. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, and once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your Jam Drops in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or pop a couple in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness. Just be sure not to overheat, or the jam may melt out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam besides strawberry or raspberry?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with apricot, blueberry, or even exotic options like passion fruit jam. The beauty of the Jam Drops Recipe is its versatility—any jam you love will shine.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Why are my Jam Drops spreading too much during baking?
If your cookies are spreading too much, your butter might be too soft or the dough too warm. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies, which will help maintain their shape in the oven.
How long do Jam Drops stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies should stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature. Beyond that, their texture might change, so enjoy them sooner rather than later!
Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?
For the signature flavor and texture of Jam Drops, butter is best. Substituting with margarine or oil can affect the richness and the way the cookies bake, so it’s recommended to stick with butter for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
This Jam Drops Recipe is one of those timeless treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these cookies bring a sweet pop of jam to every bite, making them perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Give this recipe a whirl; I promise you’ll be reaching for these charming cookies again and again!
Print
Jam Drops Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Jam Drops are delightful, buttery cookies filled with a sweet dollop of fruit jam in the center. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for any tea time or dessert occasion, combining a simple cookie dough with the burst of fruity flavor from your favorite jam.
Ingredients
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. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then pour in the milk and stir until smooth to give the dough moisture and richness.
- 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 overly sticky; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 tablespoon in size. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Make the indentations: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie dough ball to hold the jam.
- Add the jam: Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into the indentation of each cookie, adding a fruity burst of flavor in every bite.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Be careful not to overbake to keep them soft and tender.
- Cool and serve: Let the Jam Drops cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure smooth creaming with sugar.
- You can substitute the milk with cream or a non-dairy alternative for different richness or dietary needs.
- Feel free to experiment with different jams such as apricot, blackberry, or peach to vary the flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
