Introduction:
Imagine a cookie that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Blueberry Jammy Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances buttery shortbread with a burst of sweet and tart blueberry jam. These cookies are not just delicious; they are also visually stunning, with their golden edges and vibrant blueberry centers.
This recipe takes the comforting simplicity of a shortbread cookie and elevates it with a generous dollop of homemade or high-quality blueberry jam. The result is a cookie that is both tender and slightly crumbly, with a gooey, fruit-filled heart that is simply irresistible. Blueberry Jammy Cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, bake sales, or any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade sweetness.
Prepare to be captivated by the delightful combination of textures and flavors in these Blueberry Jammy Cookies. From the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base to the vibrant, jammy filling, each element works in perfect harmony. These cookies are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are countless reasons why you will adore these Blueberry Jammy Cookies. Firstly, they are incredibly delicious. The combination of buttery shortbread and sweet blueberry jam is a classic pairing that is always satisfying. The slightly tart blueberries cut through the richness of the cookie, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Secondly, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly and requires minimal chilling time, making them a relatively fast treat to prepare. The simple steps and straightforward ingredients make this recipe accessible even for novice bakers. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create such elegant and flavorful cookies.
Thirdly, Blueberry Jammy Cookies are incredibly versatile and adaptable. You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by using different types of jam, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot. You can also add a touch of lemon zest to the dough for extra brightness, or sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create your own signature version of these jammy delights.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create these delectable Blueberry Jammy Cookies, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each element contributes to the overall texture and flavor of these delightful treats. Let’s gather everything necessary to bring this recipe to life in your kitchen.
For the cookie dough base, you’ll need one cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Butter is the heart of shortbread cookies, providing richness, tenderness, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt level in the recipe.
To provide structure and sweetness, you’ll need half a cup of granulated sugar. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create the delicate crumb of the shortbread. Its fine crystals dissolve beautifully into the butter, creating a smooth and cohesive dough.
Adding a touch of lightness and enhancing the tender crumb, you’ll need a quarter cup of powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar. Powdered sugar is finer than granulated sugar and helps create an even more delicate and tender texture in the cookies. It also contributes a subtle sweetness without making the cookies overly sugary.
For the main dry ingredient and the foundation of the cookie structure, you’ll need two and a half cups of all-purpose flour. All-purpose flour provides the necessary gluten development to hold the cookies together while maintaining a tender crumb. Measure it accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can result in dry cookies.
A pinch of salt, about half a teaspoon, is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. Salt plays a vital role in baking, even in sweet recipes. It elevates the buttery flavor and prevents the cookies from tasting flat or one-dimensional.
To infuse the cookies with a touch of warmth and subtle flavor, you’ll need one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a comforting aroma to the cookies. Use pure vanilla extract for the best and most authentic flavor.
For the star of the show, the jammy filling, you’ll need approximately three-quarter cup to one cup of high-quality blueberry jam. Choose a jam that is rich in blueberry flavor and has a good consistency. Homemade blueberry jam is ideal, but a good quality store-bought jam will also work perfectly. Look for jam that is labeled “preserves” for a chunkier, more fruit-filled filling.
To finish the cookies with an elegant touch, powdered sugar for dusting is optional but highly recommended. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful visual appeal and a subtle sweetness that complements the blueberry jam perfectly. It also adds a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookie’s surface.
HOW TO MAKE “Blueberry Jammy Cookies”:
Creating these Blueberry Jammy Cookies is a straightforward process, involving making a simple shortbread dough, shaping it, and filling it with luscious blueberry jam. Each step is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring a delightful baking experience. Follow these instructions to create your own batch of these beautiful and flavorful cookies.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures that it reaches the correct temperature before the cookies are placed inside, leading to even baking. Proper oven temperature is crucial for achieving the desired texture and browning of the cookies.
Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes for easy cleanup. It also helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents excessive browning on the bottoms.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the tender texture of the cookies. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to cream the ingredients until they are pale and airy.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until just combined and smooth. Powdered sugar further enhances the tenderness of the cookies, while vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note. Mix until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can develop the gluten and result in tough cookies. Mix only until the flour is just incorporated and no streaks remain.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into small, equal-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Rolling the dough into uniform balls ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have a consistent size and appearance. Use a cookie scoop or a kitchen scale to ensure uniformity.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Spacing the cookies adequately allows for proper air circulation and prevents them from spreading and sticking together during baking. Leave enough room between each cookie to ensure even baking and browning.
Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, make a well in the center of each dough ball. This well will hold the blueberry jam filling. Make the well deep enough to hold a generous amount of jam but not so deep that it goes all the way through the cookie base.
Spoon about half a teaspoon to one teaspoon of blueberry jam into each well. Be generous with the jam filling, but avoid overfilling, as excessive jam can spill over during baking and make the cookies messy. Fill each well evenly to ensure consistent flavor and visual appeal.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the cookies and bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown and the cookies are no longer wet in the center.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking when transferring. Cooling completely on a wire rack ensures proper airflow and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar, if desired. Dusting with powdered sugar adds an elegant finishing touch and a subtle sweetness. Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the powdered sugar evenly over the cooled cookies.
Serve and enjoy these delightful Blueberry Jammy Cookies. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for later enjoyment. These cookies are perfect for tea time, desserts, or any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade sweetness.
USEFUL TIPS:
To ensure your Blueberry Jammy Cookies are a baking triumph, consider these useful tips and tricks. These suggestions are designed to elevate your baking experience and help you achieve perfect jammy cookies every time.
Use cold butter for a flakier, more tender shortbread cookie. While the recipe calls for softened butter for creaming, using slightly colder butter and working it into the flour mixture with your fingertips or a pastry blender can create an even flakier texture. This technique is especially beneficial if you prefer a more crumbly shortbread base.
Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, less tender cookie. Mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated and no streaks remain. Gentle mixing is key for tender shortbread.
Chill the dough thoroughly for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, for easier handling and less spreading. Chilling solidifies the butter, which makes the dough easier to roll and shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking. If time allows, chilling the dough for an hour or even overnight can improve the texture and shape of the cookies even further.
Use good quality blueberry jam for the best flavor. The flavor of the blueberry jam is a prominent feature of these cookies, so using a high-quality jam will significantly enhance the overall taste. Look for jams with a high fruit content and authentic blueberry flavor. Homemade jam is always a fantastic option if you have the time.
Make sure to create a deep enough well in the center of each cookie to hold the jam. A well-defined indentation in the center of each cookie is essential to hold the blueberry jam and prevent it from spilling over the edges during baking.1 Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a distinct and deep enough well in each dough ball.
Don’t overfill the wells with jam; use about half a teaspoon to one teaspoon per cookie. Overfilling the wells can cause the jam to bubble over during baking and make the cookies sticky and messy. Using a measured amount of jam ensures a neat and aesthetically pleasing final product.
Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are just set. Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown and the cookies are no longer wet-looking in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar. Dusting warm cookies with powdered sugar can cause the sugar to melt and become sticky. Allowing the cookies to cool completely ensures that the powdered sugar remains powdery and creates a beautiful, even dusting.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. Proper storage is key to keeping the cookies fresh and preventing them from drying out. An airtight container will help maintain their texture and flavor for several days.
For a more intense blueberry flavor, consider adding a few fresh or frozen blueberries to the jam filling before baking. Adding a few whole blueberries to the jam in each well will provide an extra burst of fresh blueberry flavor and texture. Gently press a few blueberries into the jam before baking.
DETAILS:
Let’s explore the specific details of preparing these delightful Blueberry Jammy Cookies. Understanding these details will help you plan your baking time effectively and ensure perfectly executed cookies every time.
Prep Time + Time
The active preparation time for this recipe is approximately 25 minutes. This includes creaming the butter and sugar, mixing the dough, chilling the dough, and shaping the cookies. Efficient preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.
Cooking Time
The baking time for these cookies is approximately 12-15 minutes. This baking time is relatively short, making these cookies a quick and satisfying treat to prepare. Keep a close eye on the cookies during baking to prevent overbrowning.
Total Time
The total time from start to finish, including both prep and cooking, is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. This includes 25 minutes of preparation, 30 minutes of chilling time, 12-15 minutes of baking, and cooling time. While there is chilling time involved, the active baking time is quite short, making these cookies a manageable project even on a busy day.
Yield
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size you make them. This quantity is perfect for sharing with family and friends or for enjoying over a few days. You can easily adjust the recipe to make a larger or smaller batch as needed.
Category
This recipe falls into the category of cookies and desserts. They are specifically jam-filled cookies, making them a delightful and visually appealing treat for various occasions. These cookies are ideal for afternoon tea, bake sales, or any time you crave a sweet and fruity cookie.
Method
The cooking method for this recipe is baking. The cookies are baked in a preheated oven until golden and set. Baking is the primary method for creating the tender shortbread base and setting the jam filling.
Cuisine
The cuisine for this dish is generally considered American or European-style baking. Jam-filled cookies are popular in many European baking traditions, and shortbread is a classic cookie enjoyed in various parts of the world. This recipe combines these elements to create a universally appealing cookie.
Diet
This recipe is generally considered vegetarian. It does not contain any meat, poultry, or fish. However, it is not vegan or dairy-free as it contains butter. It can be modified to be dairy-free by using a plant-based butter substitute. It is also not particularly low in sugar due to the granulated and powdered sugar in the dough and the sugar in the jam filling.
NOTES:
To further enhance your Blueberry Jammy Cookies and cater to different preferences or dietary needs, consider these additional notes and recipe variations. These suggestions offer flexibility and inspiration for making this recipe truly your own.
For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the cookie dough. Browning butter, also known as beurre noisette, adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the shortbread base to a whole new level. Brown the butter until it is fragrant and nutty, then let it cool slightly before creaming it with the sugar.
Add lemon zest to the dough for a brighter flavor. Lemon zest pairs beautifully with blueberries and adds a refreshing citrusy note to the cookies. Grate the zest of one lemon and add it to the dough along with the vanilla extract for a brighter and more complex flavor profile.
Experiment with different types of jam fillings. While blueberry jam is classic, you can use other fruit jams like raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jam. Each type of jam will bring its own unique flavor profile to the cookies, allowing for endless variations.
For a festive touch, sprinkle the edges of the cookies with sanding sugar before baking. Sanding sugar adds a sparkly, decorative edge to the cookies and provides a subtle crunch. Press sanding sugar gently onto the edges of the dough balls before making the wells and filling with jam.
Dip the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. Melt white chocolate and dip the bottom half or drizzle it over the tops of the cooled cookies. White chocolate pairs wonderfully with blueberry and shortbread, creating a decadent treat.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the gluten-free flour blend is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or another binder to provide structure. Gluten-free cookies may be slightly more delicate, so handle them with care.
Add a pinch of almond extract to the dough for a subtle almond flavor. Almond extract complements both blueberry and shortbread flavors beautifully. Add just a quarter teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract for a hint of almond essence.
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly (some brands use bone char in processing). Many high-quality vegan butter alternatives work well in baking and can be used in a 1:1 substitution for dairy butter.
Consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor. Finely chopped nuts can be added to the dough for a more substantial and nutty cookie base. Toast the nuts lightly before adding them to enhance their flavor.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Let’s address some common questions you might have while preparing Blueberry Jammy Cookies. These answers are designed to clarify any potential uncertainties and ensure a smooth and successful baking process.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you will need to reduce the amount of salt added to the dough. If using salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe to just a pinch or omit it entirely, depending on your preference and the saltiness of your butter.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. Allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature before rolling and shaping the cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly is crucial for preventing excessive spreading. Ensure the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes, or even longer. If your kitchen is warm, you may need to chill the dough for a longer period. Baking on cool baking sheets and avoiding overcrowding the baking sheets also helps prevent spreading.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of jam?
While you could try using frozen blueberries, the recipe is designed for jam. Frozen blueberries will release moisture during baking and may make the cookies soggy. If you want a blueberry cookie with fresh fruit, consider a different type of recipe specifically designed for fresh blueberries.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is too crumbly, it may be too dry. Try adding a teaspoon of cold water or milk to the dough and gently mixing until it comes together. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the dough sticky. Over-measuring flour is often the culprit for dry dough, so ensure you measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
Can I freeze Blueberry Jammy Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze baked Blueberry Jammy Cookies. Once the cookies are completely cool, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
What’s the best way to dust the cookies with powdered sugar?
The best way to dust the cookies with powdered sugar is to use a fine-mesh sieve or a powdered sugar shaker. Place the powdered sugar in the sieve or shaker and gently tap or shake it over the cooled cookies. This ensures an even and delicate dusting without clumping.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and deliciousness of your Blueberry Jammy Cookies. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies stay delightful for days to come.
To store Blueberry Jammy Cookies, allow them to cool completely at room temperature after baking. Storing warm cookies can trap moisture and lead to sogginess. Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before placing them in storage containers.
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. An airtight container is crucial for preventing the cookies from drying out and maintaining their soft, tender texture. Choose a container that fits the cookies snugly without too much extra space.
Line the airtight container with parchment paper or wax paper if desired. This is not strictly necessary but can help absorb any potential moisture and further protect the cookies. It also makes for easier removal and prevents the cookies from sticking to the container.
Store the Blueberry Jammy Cookies at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They are best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal freshness and texture. While they may still be safe to eat beyond this period, their quality may start to diminish.
Avoid storing the cookies in the refrigerator unless your kitchen is very warm and humid. Refrigeration can sometimes dry out cookies and alter their texture. Room temperature storage is generally preferred for maintaining the soft and tender nature of these jammy cookies.
If stacking the cookies in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer. This prevents the cookies from sticking together and helps preserve their powdered sugar dusting, if applied. Layering with parchment paper is especially helpful for delicate cookies.
Ensure the airtight container is tightly sealed after each use to maintain freshness. Proper sealing is key to preventing air exposure and moisture loss, which can lead to dry or stale cookies. Always close the container securely after removing cookies for serving.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed these delightful Blueberry Jammy Cookies, you are sure to love these other fruit-filled and jammy cookie creations. These recipes share similar flavor profiles and comforting textures, perfect for satisfying your cravings for sweet and fruity treats.
If you liked this recipe, you will surely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies: A classic thumbprint cookie filled with bright and tangy raspberry jam. These cookies offer a similar buttery shortbread base and jammy center, but with a different fruity flavor profile. Raspberry jam provides a lovely tartness that complements the sweet cookie base.
Apricot Jam Linzer Cookies: Beautifully patterned Linzer cookies filled with sweet-tart apricot jam. Linzer cookies feature a delicate almond-flavored dough and a peekaboo jam center, making them both visually appealing and delicious. Apricot jam adds a unique and flavorful twist to this classic cookie.
Strawberry Jam Crinkle Cookies: Soft and chewy crinkle cookies with a surprise strawberry jam filling in the center. These cookies combine the fudgy texture of crinkle cookies with a burst of fruity jam, creating a delightful textural and flavor contrast. Strawberry jam adds a familiar and comforting sweetness.
Blackberry Jam Pinwheel Cookies: Visually stunning pinwheel cookies with swirls of buttery dough and rich blackberry jam. Pinwheel cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful to look at, with their spiral design showcasing the jam filling. Blackberry jam offers a deep, rich fruit flavor that works wonderfully in these cookies.
Cherry Jam Shortbread Bars: Shortbread bars topped with a layer of sweet cherry jam and a buttery crumble topping. These bars offer a similar flavor profile to the cookies but in a bar format, making them easy to slice and serve. Cherry jam provides a sweet and slightly tart filling that complements the buttery shortbread and crumble.
CONCLUSION
Blueberry Jammy Cookies are more than just a simple treat; they are a celebration of flavor and texture, bringing together the buttery comfort of shortbread with the bright, fruity burst of blueberry jam. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a more elegant dessert offering. Their ease of preparation and delightful taste make them a recipe you will return to again and again.
This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly rewarding, delivering beautiful, delicious cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find these Blueberry Jammy Cookies a joy to create and even more of a joy to share and enjoy. The simple elegance of these cookies makes them perfect for gifting, bringing to gatherings, or simply savoring at home with a cup of tea or coffee.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the straightforward steps, and prepare to be delighted by the magic of Blueberry Jammy Cookies. They are a testament to how simple ingredients and careful preparation can result in a truly exceptional baked treat. Embrace the joy of baking and indulge in the sweet, fruity goodness of these jammy delights – they are a recipe that promises to bring smiles and satisfaction with every bite.
