Are you craving a taste of sunshine? Look no further! These apricot jam cookies are the perfect treat to brighten your day. Combining the sweet tang of apricot jam with the buttery goodness of shortbread, this easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. These delicious dishes are not only incredibly flavorful but also relatively quick to make, making them ideal for a busy weeknight or a delightful weekend baking project. They're the ultimate in homemade cooking, offering a far superior taste to store-bought cookies. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup apricot jam (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: Demerara sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly use a good old-fashioned whisk if you prefer a bit more of a workout!
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Assemble and Bake:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Gently flatten each ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Place a teaspoon of apricot jam in the center of each flattened cookie.
- Fold the dough over the jam, pinching the edges to seal.
- Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.
- For extra sparkle, sprinkle the tops with demerara sugar before baking.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Apricot Jam Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Other Jams: Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams, such as raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry.
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg would complement the apricot beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These apricot jam cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, incredibly delicious and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this burst of sunshine with every bite!