Shortbread Strawberry Jam Cookies Recipe
These buttery shortbread cookies are a holiday favorite, filled with sweet strawberry jam in the center. Perfect for Christmas cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies, or any special occasion, their soft shortbread base melts in your mouth. With simple ingredients, they are easy to make, requiring just a few pantry staples. The chewy center and golden brown edges create the perfect texture. Enjoy these jam-filled cookies as a nostalgic treat for the Holidays or a delightful homemade strawberry jam cookies anytime!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Soft, crumbly, and irresistibly delicious a cookies with strawberry jam recipe you’ll love!
Buttery Cookies – These shortbread cookies have a rich flavor and a delicate buttery shortbread texture.
Strawberry Jam – The jam-filled cookies have a sweet filling that looks as good as it tastes.
Easy to Make – This easy shortbread recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
Festive & Classic – Perfect for holiday cookies, these homemade cookies are great for any occasion.
Ingredients for Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Powdered sugar dusted on top makes these holiday cookies extra special.
Unsalted butter at room temperature ensures a buttery flavor and smooth texture.
Granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the cookie dough.
Large egg at room temperature helps bind the ingredients for a soft, tender crumb.
Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the shortbread base.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking powder gives a slight lift to these jam-filled cookies.
Strawberry preserves or homemade strawberry jam cookies add a sweet, fruity filling.
How to Make Strawberry Jam Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and creamy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract, then mix until fully combined.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix in the salt, cornstarch, and flour. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the dough soft and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a scoop, measure 1½ tablespoon size balls of dough. Roll with your hands to form a tight ball, which helps prevent cracking. Then, roll the dough balls in sugar for extra sweetness.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Place the cookie balls onto the baking sheet. Use a teaspoon measuring spoon to press into the cookie balls, creating an indentation. Fill each indentation with strawberry jam .
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While it preheats, place the cookies in the freezer or fridge for at least 20 minutes to chill the dough. This helps them keep their shape while baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Arrange the chilled cookie dough on two cookie sheets, leaving space between them. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Allow the strawberry jam cookies to cool completely before moving or eating.
Tips and Variations
- Experiment with filling variations! Swap strawberry jam for raspberry jam, chocolate ganache, Nutella, or lemon curd for a unique twist.
- Lightly sprinkle flour on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent dough from sticking. Alternatively, roll dough between parchment paper sheets and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make cutting easier.
- These strawberry shortbread cookies don’t require an ice cream scoop. Instead, shape them with a cookie cutter a classic flower shape works best, but any design will do.
- The total number of strawberry jam cookies depends on the cookie cutter size and thickness of the dough.
- When filling, use only 1/2-1 teaspoon of jam to prevent too soft cookies. But hey, there’s no jam police adjust as you like!
- A small offset spatula helps lift cookies onto a large baking sheet or a cooling rack.
- For extra nutty flavor, mix ground toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts into the flour mixture.
Make Ahead, Store, and Freeze
1. Make Ahead for Convenience
Prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Before rolling and shaping your strawberry jam biscuits, let the dough come to room temperature for easier handling.
2. Proper Storage for Freshness
Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This ensures the strawberry jam cookies heart remains fresh and delicious without losing their soft texture.
3. Freezing for Later Use
To freeze unbaked dough balls, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, arrange the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet, make indents, add jam, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
More Favourite recipes
Shortbread Cookies With Strawberry Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting, optional
Instructions
- Combine the powdered sugar and lemon zest in a food processor or stand mixer to release the citrus oils.
- Add cold cubed butter and vanilla, then cream the mixture until smooth and fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use the back of a utensil, thumb, teaspoon measuring spoon, or wine cork to press a shallow indentation in each dough ball.
- Fill each indentation with ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam and sprinkle with white sparkling sugar (if using).
- Chill the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 13 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. Let them cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
FAQs
What’s the best way to fill the cookies with jam?
Use a teaspoon measuring spoon to create an indentation in each cookie ball, then fill with jam before baking.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the cookie dough for at least 20 minutes before baking. This helps maintain the shape and prevents excess spreading.
Why did my cookies crack after baking?
If the dough is too dry, the cookies may crack. Try rolling tightly and not overmixing the flour mixture.
What other fillings can I use besides strawberry jam?
Try raspberry jam, chocolate ganache, Nutella, or lemon curd for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
Can I use store-bought strawberry jam for these cookies?
Yes! You can use your favorite store-bought strawberry jam or make homemade strawberry preserves for a richer flavor.
