Jammy Dodgers: A Classic British Biscuit with a Sweet Twist

Jammy Dodgers are a delightful and classic British treat, known for their buttery shortbread-like texture and their sweet jam filling. With a simple combination of all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and a dollop of strawberry jam, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They are quick to make and perfect with a cup of tea or as a sweet snack.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these jam-filled biscuits, as well as offer tips for creating the perfect Jammy Dodgers at home.

For more on making homemade cookies, check out this guide on perfecting shortbread cookies, or learn about making your own jam.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Jammy Dodgers Recipe | Classic British Jam-Filled Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 12-14 cookies 1x
• Diet: Diabetic

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Description

Jammy Dodgers are delightful British cookies made with a buttery shortbread base, filled with sweet, tangy strawberry jam, and dusted with confectioners’ sugar. These charming sandwich cookies are perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and fruity filling make them a favorite among cookie lovers.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Dash of salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup seedless strawberry jam
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and a dash of salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Add the egg yolk, cold water, and vanilla extract to the flour-butter mixture. Mix gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

3. Chill the Dough:
   Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to roll out.

4. Preheat the Oven:
   While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Roll Out the Dough:
   Once the dough is chilled, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes (round or any shape you prefer) for the base of the cookies. Then, cut out a smaller hole in the center of half of the cookies to create the “window” for the jam.

6. Bake the Cookies:
   Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

7. Assemble the Cookies:
   Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of seedless strawberry jam on the flat side of the solid cookies. Place the cookie with the cutout over the jam, creating a sandwich. Press gently to seal.

8. Finish with Powdered Sugar:
   Dust the top of the cookies with confectioners’ sugar for a lovely finishing touch.

Notes

You can substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry or apricot jam for a different flavor.

For best results, chill the dough before rolling it out. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helps maintain their shape.

If you don’t have a cookie cutter with a cutout shape, you can use a knife to carefully cut a small circle in the middle of the cookie.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Jammy Dodgers

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and a dash of salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Stir in the egg yolk, cold water, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
4. Chill the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

5. Roll the Dough: Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut the Cookies: Using a cookie cutter, cut out rounds from the dough. For the top of the cookies, use a cutter with a smaller center (or make a hole with a knife) to create the signature “window” that shows the jam filling.
7. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill them again for 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

Bake the Cookies

8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be sure to check them carefully, as baking times may vary depending on the size of your cookie cutter.

Assemble the Jammy Dodgers

10. Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread about a teaspoon of seedless strawberry jam on the solid cookie halves. Place the cookie tops with the cut-out window on top, gently pressing them together.
11. Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar: Finally, dust the jammy dodgers with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a touch of sweetness and a decorative finish.

Advanced Techniques

1. Perfecting the Dough Texture:

For an even more buttery and crumbly texture, consider using unsalted cold butter and ensuring that it is cubed and kept cold until incorporated into the dough. The colder the butter, the flakier your cookies will be.

2. Choosing the Best Jam:

While seedless strawberry jam is traditional for Jammy Dodgers, you can get creative with the flavor. Raspberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jams can provide a unique twist on the classic flavor.

3. Cutting the Cookie Tops:

To ensure the top cookie cut-outs are uniform, use a small cookie cutter or the back of a piping tip to create the signature window. This ensures all the cookies look similar and professional.

4. Using a Cookie Press:

If you want to speed up the cookie-making process, consider using a cookie press for a uniform shape and appearance. This is particularly useful if you are making large batches.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store Jammy Dodgers:

Once assembled, Jammy Dodgers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 4-5 days. If the cookies are not yet filled with jam, store the cookie halves separately and fill them just before serving to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.

Freezing the Cookies:

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookie halves (without the jam). Once frozen, transfer the halves into an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply fill the cookies with jam and dust with powdered sugar.

Storing Leftover Jam:

If you have leftover jam after making the cookies, store it in the refrigerator. Jam can last for up to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight jar.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version:

To make these cookies gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum to help the dough come together. You may need to adjust the flour amount slightly to get the right texture.

Dairy-Free Version:

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Use a dairy-free jam to ensure the entire recipe is suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Sugar-Free Version:

For a sugar-free option, substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or stevia. You can also find sugar-free jams to use in place of regular jam, ensuring the treat remains sugar-free.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use regular jam instead of seedless?

Yes, you can use regular jam. However, seedless strawberry jam works best because it prevents seeds from getting stuck in the cookie and provides a smoother texture.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Make sure the dough is chilled both before and after cutting out the cookies. Chilling the dough helps prevent it from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their shape.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. The baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Jammy Dodgers are a beloved treat that combines the rich flavor of buttery shortbread with the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberry jam. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a simple treat to enjoy with family, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

By following the recipe and utilizing some advanced techniques, you can elevate these simple biscuits into a show-stopping dessert. Get creative with jam flavors, experiment with the dough, and enjoy the process of making these timeless cookies from scratch. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these Jammy Dodgers will never fail to impress.