In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.
Shortbread Cookies With Jam: A Delightful Treat
Welcome to Food Lovers Blog, your go-to destination for scrumptious recipes that delight the senses and bring joy to every meal. Today, we’re diving into the world of baking with our focus keyword, Shortbread Cookies With Jam. These classic treats are simple yet delicious, offering a perfect balance of buttery shortbread and sweet jam. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients List
To create these delectable shortbread cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 teaspoons strawberry jelly
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat to prevent the shortbread cookies from spreading during baking. Make room in your fridge for the cookie sheet, as chilling the dough is crucial.
Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a large bowl, add the softened butter. Beat it with an electric mixer on HIGH until light and fluffy. Watch as the butter transforms from yellow to a paler shade.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Mix
Gradually stream in the sugar while continuing to beat the mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour and salt evenly over the dough. Mix just until combined, using the warmth of your hands to bring it together if it’s slightly crumbly.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out 2 teaspoons of dough, roll into a ball, and place on the baking sheet. Use your pinky dipped in flour to shape each ball into a heart, creating a small indent for the jam.
Step 7: Add the Jam
Place 1/4 teaspoon of jelly on each side of the heart-shaped indent, totaling 1/2 teaspoon per cookie.
Step 8: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the cookies for one hour to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before removing.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 83
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Cholesterol: 21mg
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 67mg
- Sugar: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a healthier twist, consider these options:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduced Sugar Jam: Use a naturally sweetened or reduced sugar jam to cut down on sugar content.
- Butter Alternatives: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Shortbread Cookies With Jam at afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert after dinner. Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat. They also make a lovely homemade gift when wrapped in decorative boxes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading.
- Overmixing: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Handling While Warm: Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet to avoid breakage.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months.
Conclusion
These Shortbread Cookies With Jam are a simple yet elegant treat that brings joy to any occasion. With their buttery texture and sweet filling, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of jam? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for varied flavors.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
3. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies? Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
For more delicious recipes and baking tips, explore our related posts and guides on Food Lovers Blog. Enjoy your baking journey!
Shortbread Cookies With Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat, and make room in your fridge for a cookie sheet.
- In a large bowl, add the softened butter and beat with an electric mixer on HIGH until light and fluffy.
- Stream in the sugar while beating.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract very well.
- Evenly sprinkle the flour and salt on the dough. Mix just until it comes together.
- Scoop out dough, roll into balls, and place on a baking sheet.
- Dip pinky in flour, make heart shapes, and add jelly to each heart.
- Chill cookies in fridge for one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking pan before removing.
