Are you craving a delightful treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! These jam sandwich cookies are the perfect answer. This recipe offers a nostalgic trip back to childhood while showcasing the beauty of simple, homemade cooking. They're quick, they're delicious, and they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. Perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies are a versatile addition to your repertoire of easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Your favorite jam or preserves (about 1 cup)
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling strong!
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
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, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the cookie dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them for spreading.
Step 5: Creating the Sandwich
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before assembling the sandwiches. Once cooled, spread a generous amount of your favorite jam onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Tips for Perfect Jam Sandwich Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened for optimal creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the jam. Warm cookies will melt the jam.
- Jam Variety: Experiment with different jams and preserves! Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, and blackberry all work wonderfully.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a refreshing flavor.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm, spiced cookies.
- Royal Icing: For a more elegant touch, decorate the cookies with royal icing after assembling the sandwiches.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
These values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-18g
- Sugar: Approximately 8-10g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
These delicious jam sandwich cookies are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable treat. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dessert, and impressive enough for any gathering. So, grab your ingredients and get baking – your taste buds will thank you!