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
Scale
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
