04 Jun 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup self-raising flour
1/3 cup vanilla extract
1/3 cup raspberries
Jam drops are a classic sweet treat that combine the buttery richness of a cookie with the fruity tang of jam. These delightful cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, a snack, or any time you crave a bit of sweetness. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy freshly baked jam drops in no time.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. Incorporate Flour:
- Gradually sift in the self-raising flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Make sure not to overmix; stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
5. Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut (roughly one tablespoon). Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Make Indents:
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a small well in the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through.
7. Fill with Jam:
- Spoon a small amount (approximately ¼ teaspoon) of raspberry jam into each well.
8. Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
9. Cool:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Use room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams easily with the sugar. This helps create a light and fluffy cookie dough.
- Chill the dough: After preparing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Make even-sized drops: Use a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to portion out even amounts of dough. This ensures that all cookies bake evenly.
- Create a well for the jam: Use your thumb or the back of a wooden spoon to create a small well in the center of each cookie dough ball before adding the jam. This prevents the jam from spilling out during baking.
- Don't overfill the jam: A small amount of jam goes a long way. Overfilling can cause the jam to spill over the edges and burn.
- Use quality jam: For the best flavor, use a high-quality raspberry jam or jam of your choice. You can also use homemade jam for a personal touch.
Your perfectly baked jam drops will have a crisp edge with a soft, jammy center. They make for delightful treats that are sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee and savor the delicious blend of buttery cookie and fruity jam.