There’s something magical about the combination of rich, buttery shortbread and sweet, tangy strawberry jam. It’s a pairing that’s been loved for generations, evoking memories of family gatherings, afternoon teas, and cozy moments with a warm cup of tea. These strawberry jam shortbread cookies are the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for classic, homemade desserts. The buttery texture of the shortbread, paired with the tartness of the strawberry jam, creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.
What makes this recipe timeless is its simplicity and versatility. Shortbread cookies have been a favorite for centuries, and the addition of strawberry jam just enhances their appeal. The ingredients required are common pantry staples, which means you can whip these up at a moment’s notice. The sweet strawberry filling gives each cookie a pop of flavor, while the soft sugar dusting on top adds a light, delicate touch. Whether you’re preparing these cookies for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just a little indulgence for yourself, they are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them.
The beauty of this strawberry jam shortbread cookie recipe is in its simplicity. Made with only a few basic ingredients—such as butter, sugar, flour, and jam—you’ll have a batch of cookies that is both satisfying and delicious. These cookies also hold up well, making them perfect for gift-giving or storing for later enjoyment. Let’s dive into how you can make this classic treat at home!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients (Serves 20-24 cookies)
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 125 g (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g (1/2 cup) sugar
- 8 g (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar
- 40 ml (3 tablespoons) oil
- 1 large egg white
- 30 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
- 4 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- 320 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- For the Filling:
- Approximately 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or your preferred jam)
- For Dusting and Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons flour (for dusting the work surface)
- Soft sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Steps on How to Make Strawberry Jam Shortbread Cookies:
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the oil and egg white to the butter mixture and beat again until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Once the dough comes together, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your work surface with the 2 tablespoons of flour. Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out the cookie shapes. If you want a classic sandwich-style cookie, cut out a matching number of solid cookies and cookies with a hole in the center to expose the jam.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as shortbread should be light in color, not brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on the solid cookies. If you made cookies with holes in the center, place these over the jam-covered cookies, creating a sandwich.
- Dust the top of the sandwich cookies with a light sprinkle of soft sugar for a delicate finish. This adds a little extra sweetness and a beautiful shine.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your strawberry jam shortbread cookies on a platter and enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or as an afternoon treat. They make the perfect addition to any celebration, from birthdays to holidays, and are sure to delight anyone who tastes them.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
KCAL (Per cookie, approximate): 120-140 kcal
Servings: 20-24 cookies (depending on size)
Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless
Strawberry jam shortbread cookies are a timeless classic that has been cherished by generations. Their appeal lies in their simplicity: a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookie paired with a sweet jam filling. Shortbread itself dates back to the 12th century, originating in Scotland, and its enduring popularity can be attributed to its simple yet indulgent nature.
The strawberry jam used in this recipe not only adds sweetness and flavor but also provides a burst of color, making these cookies visually appealing. The combination of textures—the crispness of the shortbread and the soft, gooey jam—creates a delightful eating experience.
The addition of cornstarch and baking powder gives these cookies a slightly tender, crumbly texture, while the oil ensures they don’t dry out, keeping them soft even after baking. The sprinkling of soft sugar on top creates a subtle, glossy finish that’s not only decorative but enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
These cookies are perfect for all occasions. Whether it’s a festive holiday treat or an everyday snack, their familiarity and simplicity make them an easy choice for home bakers of all skill levels.
Nutrition Facts (per cookie):
- Calories: 120-140 kcal
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes! You can use any jam or fruit preserve you prefer, such as raspberry, apricot, or blackberry. The process remains the same, just ensure the jam is thick enough to stay inside the cookies.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, along with a gluten-free baking powder, and the results will still be delicious.
3. Can I store these cookies?
Yes, these cookies store very well. Once they have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They should last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips on How to Make Perfect Shortbread Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: It’s essential to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and results in a crisp, crumbly texture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a Cookie Cutter: If you want uniform cookies, use a cookie cutter, but you can also shape them by hand for a rustic look.
- Check the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies after the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking. They should be lightly golden around the edges.
Storage Tips:
- Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies before assembling them (just bake the plain shortbread) and add the jam when ready to serve.
- These cookies also make great gifts when packed in decorative tins or boxes.
Conclusion:
These strawberry jam shortbread cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies bring comfort and joy with every bite. Their timeless appeal lies in the buttery richness of the shortbread and the sweet, tangy contrast of the strawberry jam. No matter the occasion, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, dust off that mixing bowl, roll out some dough, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness that is strawberry jam shortbread!