Jam Drops

If you’re in the mood for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and irresistible, Jam Drops are the answer. These soft, buttery cookies have just the right amount of sweetness, with a tangy surprise of jam in the center. Picture this: golden, crumbly cookies that practically melt on your tongue, with a little dollop of fruit jam that adds a burst of flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon snack or making a batch to share with friends, these little beauties are always a hit. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new go-to cookie!

Why You’ll Love Jam Drops

This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Simple to Make: The dough is easy to prepare, and the jam filling takes only a minute to add. No complicated steps here—just simple, tasty baking.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are perfect for a bake sale, a picnic, or even just sharing with family and friends. Everyone loves a little homemade treat!
• Customizable Jam Flavors: You can use any jam you like—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even marmalade. Feel free to get creative and match the jam with your mood or the season.
• Buttery and Soft: These cookies are delightfully buttery with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you going back for seconds.
• Classic and Cozy: Jam drops are one of those comforting, old-school treats that never go out of style. They remind you of home-baked goodness with every bite.

Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you’ll need for the most delicious Jam Drops:

• Butter: The base of this dough, providing richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough, balancing out the tangy jam.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the dough, giving it that classic cookie taste.
• Flour: The main structure of the cookie dough. It’s what gives the cookies their soft, crumbly texture.
• Baking Powder: A little leavening agent to help the cookies rise and stay soft.
• Jam: Your choice of fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.) to fill the center and add that burst of flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistible Jam Drops:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until you have a smooth, soft dough. Don’t overmix—it should just come together nicely.

3. Roll the Dough:

Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls, about the size of a walnut (roughly 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

4. Create a Well for the Jam:

Using your finger or the back of a spoon, gently press a small indent in the center of each dough ball to create a little well for the jam. Don’t press too hard—you want it to hold the jam without squashing the cookie.

5. Add the Jam:

Spoon a small amount of jam into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill it—just a little dollop will do!

6. Bake:

Place the cookies in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies have set. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.

7. Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you’re ready to enjoy these sweet, jam-filled delights!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20
Calories per serving: 110
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 3mg
Iron: 0.2mg
Potassium: 40mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Jam Drops

While these cookies are absolutely perfect on their own, here are a few ideas for serving:

• Tea Time: Serve these jam drops alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Picnic: Pack a batch of jam drops for your next picnic or outdoor gathering. They’re portable and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Gift Giving: These cookies make a lovely homemade gift. Package them up in a cute tin or jar for a thoughtful treat to share with loved ones.
• With Ice Cream: For a fun twist, serve these jam drops as a topping for vanilla ice cream. The buttery cookie and fruity jam will add a delightful contrast to the cold creaminess of the ice cream.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up before rolling into balls.
• Don’t Overfill the Jam: A little jam goes a long way, so be sure not to overfill the cookies or it might spill over while baking.
• Jam Alternatives: If you want to get creative, you can even use Nutella or lemon curd as the filling for a different twist on this classic cookie.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of jam?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite jam—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even marmalade all work wonderfully in these cookies.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q4: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A4: You can use margarine as a substitute for butter, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different. The cookies may not be as rich, but they will still be delicious!

Q5: What can I do if the jam spills over while baking?
A5: To prevent jam from spilling, be sure not to overfill the wells in the dough. You can also use a baking sheet with edges to catch any jam drips.

Q6: How can I make these cookies more crispy?
A6: If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can bake them a little longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Q7: Can I use a cookie scoop instead of rolling by hand?
A7: Yes, a cookie scoop works great! It helps ensure all the cookies are uniform in size and saves time during prep.

Q8: How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A8: You can substitute the butter for a dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and use a plant-based jam to make these cookies dairy-free.

Q9: Can I make these cookies without the jam in the center?
A9: Absolutely! You can skip the jam and enjoy these cookies as plain buttery treats or roll them in sugar before baking for a simple variation.

Q10: How can I tell if these cookies are done?
A10: The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and they have a firm texture but still a slight softness in the center. Be careful not to overbake, as they’ll firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These Jam Drops are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re soft, buttery, and perfectly complemented by the burst of fruit jam in the center. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. So, preheat your oven, grab your favorite jam, and get ready to enjoy these delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies!

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