Jam Drops Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s bursting with nostalgia and charm, look no further than Jam Drops. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies cradle a jewel-like pool of fruity jam at their center, making them an absolute joy to bake and eat. Whether you grew up nibbling on these at family gatherings or you’re about to discover their magic for the first time, Jam Drops are the kind of classic recipe that brings a smile to everyone’s face. They’re the perfect blend of simplicity and sweet satisfaction, each bite offering a tender crumb and just the right pop of fruity brightness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Jam Drops are as delightful as they are simple, relying on pantry staples that transform into something truly special with just a splash of good jam. Each ingredient has its own important role—let’s take a closer look so you’ll know exactly why these cookies come together so perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, tender base and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let it come to room temperature for the smoothest mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and adds a little crunch around the edges once baked.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth of flavor that complements the fruitiness of the jam.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies, keeping them soft and sturdy enough for that luscious jam center.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends just a bit of lift, keeping the cookies light rather than dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to balance sweetness and intensify flavors.
- Fruit Jam or Preserves (1/3 cup): The literal centerpiece! Pick your favorite—raspberry, strawberry, or apricot all work beautifully. Opt for a firmer jam so it stays put during baking.
How to Make Jam Drops
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Before you dive into making Jam Drops, preheat your oven to 350°F to get it evenly heated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which saves you from any sticky cleanup later and helps the cookies bake up golden and perfect.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease) to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Keep going until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy—this is what gives your Jam Drops that classic tender bite.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined, so you don’t end up with streaks of egg or pockets of vanilla hiding in the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a different bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are spread evenly throughout the dough, so each Jam Drop comes out just right.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here—stop as soon as everything is incorporated to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Shape and Prepare the Cookies
Scoop heaping teaspoons of dough and roll them into neat balls with your hands. Place them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, giving them room to spread. Use your thumb (classic thumbprint!) or the back of a small spoon to make a deep, round indentation in the center of each dough ball.
Step 7: Fill With Jam
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation. Don’t overfill—they’ll rise a bit and might bubble over if you add too much, but just enough jam ensures every bite of Jam Drops is bursting with flavor.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are just turning golden around the edges. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes (they’re fragile when hot), then transfer them to a wire rack so they can cool completely and the jam can set.
How to Serve Jam Drops
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can take Jam Drops from delightful to downright dazzling, especially if you’re serving them for a special occasion. Add a tiny mint leaf or even a quick zigzag drizzle of melted white chocolate for a playful twist that invites guests to reach for a second helping.
Side Dishes
Jam Drops pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, their buttery crumb complementing sips of your favorite drink. For an afternoon treat, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a handful of mixed nuts to add a bit of contrast and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn a batch of Jam Drops into a cheerful gift by stacking them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or nestle them on a vintage plate for a tea party vibe. You can even use multiple jams in one batch for an eye-catching array of colors—perfect for cookie swaps and festive dessert tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Jam Drops have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and tender at room temperature for up to five days, making them a great option for make-ahead treats or sweet snacking all week long.
Freezing
For even more convenience, you can freeze unfilled dough balls for up to two months—just shape, skip the jam, and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, let them defrost, fill with jam, and bake fresh for that just-made magic.
Reheating
While Jam Drops don’t require reheating, if you love that just-baked warmth, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave will soften the cookie and make the jam even gooier. Be careful not to overheat, as the jam center can get very hot.
FAQs
Can I make Jam Drops with gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The cookies may have a slightly different texture but should still hold together and taste delicious.
Which type Dessert
Firmer jams or preserves, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, work beautifully. Avoid extra-runny jams, as they tend to spread too much during baking. A bit of texture in the jam also adds character to each bite.
Can I make Jam Drops ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can bake Jam Drops a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. If you want them extra fresh, freeze unfilled dough balls and bake them off the morning of your event, filling with jam just before they hit the oven.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries! You can simply grease your baking tray lightly with butter or nonstick spray. The cookies may brown a touch more on the bottom, but they’ll still taste amazing.
How can I make my Jam Drops more festive?
Try rolling the dough balls in a little colored sugar before baking, or use jams in a rainbow of colors to create an extra-cheery assortment. A drizzle of white or dark chocolate after baking also adds a fun, bakery-style finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a batch of homemade Jam Drops, with their sunny centers and cozy, buttery crumb. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or savoring a sweet moment all to yourself, I can’t recommend this classic treat enough. Go on—give them a try and spread a little extra joy (and jam!) in your kitchen.
Print
Jam Drops Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Jam Drops are a delightful treat that combines buttery cookies with a fruity jam filling. Perfect for any occasion, these thumbprint cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 1/3 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Form dough balls: Roll heaping teaspoons of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add jam filling: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indent in the center of each dough ball. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use a firm jam to prevent it from spilling over during baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unfilled dough balls for up to 2 months and fill with jam just before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
