Are you craving a taste of summer? These Strawberry Jam Cookies are the perfect treat! They're incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart, making it ideal for afternoon tea, a casual get-together, or simply a delicious reward at the end of a long day. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this simple yet scrumptious recipe, perfect for all skill levels. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, 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.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass. Place a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for Delicious Strawberry Jam Cookies:
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter will come through in the cookies, so opt for a high-quality brand.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delicious crunch.
- Use different jam: Raspberry, blackberry, or apricot jam would all be tasty alternatives.
- Add chocolate chips: A combination of strawberry and chocolate is always a winner!
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These Strawberry Jam Cookies are a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be. They're a delicious treat that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!