The sweet and comforting taste of jam cookies during the Christmas season is a tradition many of us look forward to every year. The combination of crumbly cookies, sweet jam, and the warmth of the holiday season is a match made in heaven. In this article, we'll explore seven different ways to make jam cookies for Christmas, each with its own unique twist and flavor profile.
Making jam cookies for Christmas is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and create delicious treats for family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire you to create something special. So, let's get started and dive into the world of jam cookies!
Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These classic jam thumbprint cookies are a staple of the holiday season. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, these cookies are easy to make and always a hit. The key to these cookies is the jam-filled center, which adds a burst of flavor and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup jam or preserves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill indentation with a small amount of jam or preserves.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Lemon Rosemary Jam Cookies
These lemon rosemary jam cookies are a unique and refreshing twist on the classic recipe. The addition of lemon zest and rosemary gives these cookies a bright and herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the jam.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 cup lemon curd or jam
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, lemon zest, and rosemary.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill indentation with a small amount of lemon curd or jam.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cranberry Orange Jam Cookies
These cranberry orange jam cookies are perfect for the holiday season. The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest gives these cookies a fruity and festive flavor that's sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup orange marmalade or jam
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and orange zest.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in dried cranberries.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill indentation with a small amount of orange marmalade or jam.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Chocolate Jam Sandwich Cookies
These chocolate jam sandwich cookies are a decadent and delicious twist on the classic recipe. The addition of chocolate gives these cookies a rich and indulgent flavor that's perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup jam or preserves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill indentation with a small amount of jam or preserves.
- Sandwich cookies together with melted chocolate.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Peanut Butter Jam Cookies
These peanut butter jam cookies are a classic combination that's perfect for the holiday season. The creamy peanut butter pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the jam, making these cookies a must-make.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup peanut butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup jam or preserves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill indentation with a small amount of jam or preserves.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Raspberry Basil Jam Cookies
These raspberry basil jam cookies are a unique and refreshing twist on the classic recipe. The combination of sweet raspberries and fragrant basil gives these cookies a bright and herbaceous flavor that's perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in chopped basil.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill indentation with a small amount of raspberry jam or preserves.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cinnamon Apple Jam Cookies
These cinnamon apple jam cookies are a delicious and comforting twist on the classic recipe. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet apples gives these cookies a cozy and inviting flavor that's perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple jam or preserves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in ground cinnamon.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill indentation with a small amount of apple jam or preserves.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
We hope these seven recipes inspire you to create delicious and unique jam cookies for the holiday season. Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or looking to try something new, there's a recipe on this list that's sure to become a new favorite.
Gallery of Christmas Jam Cookies
What is the best type of jam to use for Christmas jam cookies?
+The best type of jam to use for Christmas jam cookies is a matter of personal preference. Some popular options include strawberry, raspberry, and apricot. You can also experiment with different flavors like cranberry or orange marmalade.
How do I store Christmas jam cookies?
+Christmas jam cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when you're ready to serve.
Can I make Christmas jam cookies ahead of time?
+Yes, you can make Christmas jam cookies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.