If you’re craving a timeless treat that perfectly balances buttery softness with fruity bursts of flavor, the Jam Drops Recipe is exactly what you need. These classic thumbprint cookies are simple to make yet deliver a delightful combination of tender cookie dough and sweet, jewel-like centers of your favorite jam. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a grab-and-go snack, this recipe brings both nostalgia and joy to your kitchen in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward creating irresistible Jam Drops. Each component plays a unique role: the flour provides structure, butter lends richness, sugar adds sweetness, and the jam offers that signature fruity splash that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookie its tender crumb texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, airy bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy texture essential for softness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie without overpowering the jam’s flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds a subtle tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
- ⅓ cup fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot recommended): The star ingredient that adds vibrant color and bursts of fruity sweetness.
How to Make Jam Drops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Combining these dry ingredients ensures even distribution, which helps your Jam Drops bake perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for a tender cookie—it incorporates air into the dough, making the final texture delightfully soft rather than dense.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and flavor that infuse the dough with a subtle sweetness and aroma, setting a perfect base for your cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a soft, cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix; gentle incorporation keeps the dough tender and light.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls—about one tablespoon each—and space them roughly two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball. This is where the magic happens: fill each well with approximately half a teaspoon of your chosen jam. Because the jam softens during baking, be sure to use a firmer variety to keep your cookies looking neat and colorful!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until their edges turn a lovely light golden color. This subtle browning signals the perfect balance of a soft interior with slightly crisp edges. Let the Jam Drops cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; this helps them set and prevents any jam from spreading out too much.
How to Serve Jam Drops Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust these delightful Jam Drops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. Not only does this add a delicate sweetness, but it also makes the colorful jam centers pop visually, tempting everyone to reach for one immediately.
Side Dishes
Jam Drops pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, making them perfect for a cozy snack or afternoon indulgence. They also complement a light plate of fresh fruit or a smooth, creamy cheese like mascarpone when you’re serving them as part of a larger dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Jam Drops on a pretty platter lined with a doily or parchment paper for a charming, homemade feel. For personalized flair, try mixing different jam flavors on one tray, so guests can pick their favorites. They’re also fantastic tucked inside cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifting—an irresistible homemade treat that speaks volumes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Jam Drops in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature, making them a fantastic option for preparing in advance.
Freezing
To enjoy Jam Drops later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps the flavors intact. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, gently reheat frozen or refrigerated Jam Drops in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their soft texture and warm jam centers without overbaking or drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use any type of jam for the Jam Drops Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite jam flavors, but firmer jams such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work best to keep the filling in place during baking.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the additional salt in the dough by half to prevent the cookies from tasting too salty.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and confirm the baking powder is gluten-free to create a delicious gluten-free variation of this Jam Drops Recipe.
How do I prevent the jam from spreading too much while baking?
Using a firm jam and making a well-defined indentation in each dough ball helps keep the jam neatly contained. Also, avoid overfilling the jam in each indentation.
Are Jam Drops suitable for freezing?
Definitely. These cookies freeze well and can be thawed or gently reheated to enjoy fresh-baked warmth later on, making them a great treat to prepare in advance.
Final Thoughts
Every step of the Jam Drops Recipe brings you closer to a batch of tender, fruit-filled cookies that radiate homemade charm and sweet satisfaction. Whether you’re passing them around at a gathering or nibbling on one while curled up with a book, these cookies always feel like a warm hug from your kitchen. So, don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and bake up some joy today!
Print
Jam Drops Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Jam Drops are classic thumbprint cookies featuring a buttery soft dough filled with vibrant fruit jam centers. These delightful bite-sized treats are perfect for tea time or any occasion, combining a tender crumb with a sweet, fruity burst in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- ⅓ cup fruit jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to ensure proper leavening and seasoning in the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms, careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and space them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Create Indentations and Fill with Jam: Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start turning lightly golden, ensuring they are cooked through but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use a firm jam to prevent spreading during baking, which keeps the cookies neat and visually appealing.
- You can experiment by mixing different fruit jam flavors for variety and a colorful assortment.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian, British
