Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies: A Sweet and Fruity Delight
Strawberry jam sugar cookies are the perfect combination of buttery, soft sugar cookies and the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry jam. These cookies are easy to make and offer a delicious twist on traditional sugar cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, gifting homemade treats, or just craving a sweet snack, these jam-filled cookies are sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basic recipe, advanced decorating techniques, storage tips, and dietary substitutions.
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out The Best Sugar Cookie Recipes and How to Make Jam Cookies.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions for Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
To make these strawberry jam sugar cookies, you’ll need:
For the cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam (or your favorite fruit jam)
For the decoration:
- Granulated sugar (for rolling the dough balls)
- Additional strawberry jam (for filling the cookie centers)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Form the Dough Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Create an Indentation: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into the center of each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam can spill over while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! These strawberry jam sugar cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting.
Advanced Techniques for Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
Jam Filling Variations
While strawberry jam is the classic choice, you can easily experiment with other fruit jams or preserves. Some popular options include:
- Raspberry Jam: The tartness of raspberries pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the sugar cookies.
- Apricot Jam: For a slightly more exotic flavor, try using apricot jam, which has a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy.
- Peach Jam: The smooth, mellow flavor of peach jam makes for a delightful twist on the original recipe.
Cookie Decoration Ideas
To make your strawberry jam sugar cookies extra special, consider adding more decorative touches. Here are a few ideas:
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the jam-filled indentation before baking to give the cookies a fun, festive look.
- Icing: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle a simple glaze or icing over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Colored Sugar: Instead of plain granulated sugar, roll the dough balls in colored sugar to give the cookies a vibrant touch.
Making the Cookies Soft or Crispy
If you prefer soft cookies, be sure to take them out of the oven as soon as the edges turn golden. For crispier cookies, allow them to bake a little longer until the edges are more deeply browned.
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Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
How to Store Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
To store your strawberry jam sugar cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep the cookies fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
These cookies freeze well, so you can make a batch in advance. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours.
Keeping the Jam from Melting Out
If you’re concerned about the jam melting out while baking, you can use a thick fruit preserve rather than regular jam. The thicker texture will help it stay put during baking. Alternatively, make sure not to overfill the indentation with jam to reduce the risk of spillage.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
Gluten-Free Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend designed for baking for the best texture and flavor. You may also need to adjust the baking time, so keep an eye on the cookies while they bake.
Vegan Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. You can also use a dairy-free strawberry jam to keep the recipe completely vegan.
Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
To make a lower-sugar version, use a sugar substitute like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit in place of the granulated sugar. You can also choose a reduced-sugar or no-sugar-added strawberry jam to reduce the overall sugar content.
FAQs About Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies
Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes, store-bought jam works perfectly for this recipe! You can choose your favorite brand of strawberry jam or any other fruit preserves you enjoy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, roll the dough into balls and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I make these cookies without an indentation?
While the indentation helps hold the jam in place, you can skip this step if you prefer. Simply place a small spoonful of jam on top of each cookie before baking, and it will spread as the cookies bake.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Strawberry jam sugar cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the sweetness of sugar cookies with the fruity flavor of strawberry jam. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, and with the versatility of flavor options, you can easily customize them to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress.
So grab your ingredients and bake up a batch of strawberry jam sugar cookies—a fruity, fun, and irresistible dessert everyone will love!