I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s a delightful throwback to simple comforts, combining buttery cookie goodness with the nostalgic sweetness of my favorite fruit jam. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those cozy, spontaneous baking sessions that fill the kitchen with warmth and joy.
Nothing makes me happier than creating sweet treats that are delightful and uncomplicated. These Jam Drops fit the bill perfectly.
A combination of all-purpose and self-rising flour guarantees just the right texture. Undeniable buttery richness from unsalted butter is balanced beautifully by the simple sweetness of granulated sugar.
Then, just to elevate these cookies a little more, a dollop of fruit jam is added to each one.
Ingredients
All-purpose Flour:
A flour that serves many functions and gives structure to baked goods, it contains a good amount of carbohydrates but is low in fiber.
Self-raising Flour:
Contains leavening agents—baking powder and salt—that produce a light and fluffy baked good.
Unsalted Butter:
Contributes to a tender crumb; adds richness and moisture.
Granulated Sugar:
Provides sweetness to the dough, assists in its browning, and modifies texture.
Vanilla Extract:
Improves the taste with a cozy, inviting smell.
Fruit Jam:
Imparts sweetness and fruity tones, giving a jolt of flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) self-raising flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (110g) fruit jam or preserves (your choice of flavor)
Instructions
1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, self-rising flour, and salt, and whisk them together. Set them aside.
3. In a big mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the softened butter and granulated sugar until they are light in color and fluffy in texture.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until fully incorporated.
5. Slowly combine the dry flour mixture with the wet components, stirring until the smooth, pliable dough comes together.
6. Take portions of the dough about the size of a tablespoon and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
7. To create a shallow well in the center of each dough ball, use your thumb or the back of a small spoon.
8. Each well should be filled with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the fruit jam or preserves of your choice.
9. Preheat the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the jam drops cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are best enjoyed at room temperature and make excellent gifts when packaged in a jar.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Electric mixer
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spatula or spoon for mixing
11. Tablespoon for portioning dough
12. Wire rack
FAQ
- Can I use only all-purpose flour if I don’t have self-raising flour?Absolutely, all-purpose flour alone works well as a substitute. This is what I recommend: For every cup of self-rising flour called for in a recipe, mix together in a bowl 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- What type of jam works best for Jam Drops?Any flavor you like can be used, such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry. Make sure to pick a jam that’s thick enough to avoid spreading during baking.
- How do I prevent the jam from leaking out of the cookie while baking?Ensure that the indentations for the jam are deep enough and not too wide. Additionally, take care not to overfill the indentations with jam.
- Can I make Jam Drops ahead of time?Indeed, you can create the dough ahead of time and chill it for a maximum of 2 days. Ensure it reaches room temperature once more before you engage in the processes of shaping and baking.
- How do I store Jam Drops?Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for as long as 5 days. For storage beyond that, place them in the freezer for as long as 3 months.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?Certainly! You are able to switch margarine for butter in the same proportions, but the taste and mouthfeel could possibly be a tad different.
- What should I do if my dough is too dry?Should your dough be too dry, introduce a teaspoon or two of milk until it reaches the optimal consistency.
Substitutions and Variations
1 cup (150g) whole wheat flour can substitute all or part of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor.
Half a cup (60g) of self-raising flour can be replaced with all-purpose flour and 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder.
You can replace 1/2 cup (115 g) of unsalted butter with an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
You can replace 1/3 cup (75 g) granulated sugar with the same amount of brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
One large egg can be substituted with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan alternative.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Dough: Consider chilling the dough for about 15-20 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps in preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensures they maintain their shape.
2. Use High-Quality Jam: Opt for a high-quality fruit jam or preserve for the filling. A richly flavored jam can enhance the overall taste of the cookies significantly.
3. Uniform Well Creation: Use the back of a round measuring spoon or a cork to make consistent wells in the dough. This helps ensure each jam drop has the same amount of filling and bakes evenly.
4. Adjust Baking Time: Check the cookies at the 10-minute mark to prevent over-baking. Different ovens can vary, and you want to ensure they are just lightly golden around the edges.
5. Flavor Variation: For a slight twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture, or zest of lemon or orange to the dough for added flavor depth.
Jam Drops Recipe
My favorite Jam Drops Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Electric mixer
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spatula or spoon for mixing
11. Tablespoon for portioning dough
12. Wire rack
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) self-raising flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (110g) fruit jam or preserves (your choice of flavor)
Instructions:
1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, self-rising flour, and salt, and whisk them together. Set them aside.
3. In a big mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the softened butter and granulated sugar until they are light in color and fluffy in texture.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until fully incorporated.
5. Slowly combine the dry flour mixture with the wet components, stirring until the smooth, pliable dough comes together.
6. Take portions of the dough about the size of a tablespoon and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
7. To create a shallow well in the center of each dough ball, use your thumb or the back of a small spoon.
8. Each well should be filled with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the fruit jam or preserves of your choice.
9. Preheat the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the jam drops cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are best enjoyed at room temperature and make excellent gifts when packaged in a jar.
