Are you ready to transform your baking repertoire with a mouthwatering twist on a classic treat? Imagine the sweet burst of cherry wrapped in a soft, buttery cookie – a match made in heaven! Why settle for ordinary when you can create these exquisite Cherry Jam Cookies that are sure to elicit ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from anyone lucky enough to taste them?
Embark on a culinary journey with these delightful Cherry Jam Cookies. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of a sugary crunch and the tangy zest of cherry preserves. These cookies, perfect for any occasion, will tantalize your taste buds and add a festive burst of color to your dessert table. Imagine the joy of sharing these treats with your loved ones or pairing them with your favorite afternoon tea or coffee. Ready to create some baking magic? Let’s dive into the sweet details.
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approx. 1 hour
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 170g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 100g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cherry Jam Filling:
- 150g (1/2 cup) cherry jam or preserves
- Optional: lemon zest or juice to taste
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a separate, large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring each time until a consistent dough is formed.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the dough into small balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Enhance the cherry jam by mixing in lemon zest or juice if using, then make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Spoon a small amount of the cherry jam into each indentation.
- Bake the cookies in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a delicate golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Tips for Success
- For even baking, make sure all cookie balls are the same size.
- If the jam is too thick, gently warm it to make it easier to spoon into the cookies.
- These cookies can be frozen before baking; just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time when ready to bake from frozen.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 250 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 12g (approximate values per cookie).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of jam for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with another jam or preserve of your choice for a new flavor twist.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or two weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the cookie dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to minimize spreading.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?
You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a 1:1 substitute. Just ensure that it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.