Ah, the magic of holiday baking! There’s just something so joyful about filling your kitchen with the sweet aroma of cookies, especially when they’re as delightful as Christmas Raspberry Jam Cookies. I remember the first time I made these little gems—it was a chilly December afternoon, and my kids were buzzing with excitement as they helped me roll the dough into balls. We laughed and chatted while making those perfect indentations for the jam. There’s a certain charm in watching the vibrant raspberry jam glisten in each cookie, making them look so festive and tempting. Trust me, these cookies aren’t just delicious; they bring back warm memories that make the holiday season truly special. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious treats that are bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
How to Prepare Christmas Raspberry Jam Cookies
Prepping Your Oven and Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out just right. While that’s warming up, gather all your ingredients. It makes the process so much smoother! You’ll need your flour, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, salt, and, of course, that luscious raspberry jam. I always find it helpful to measure everything out beforehand so I’m not scrambling around when it’s time to mix!
Mixing the Dough
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—mixing the dough! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and light. Trust me, this step is key to getting that nice texture. Once it’s looking good, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until it’s perfectly combined. Next, gradually add in the flour and salt. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Mix until just combined—no need to overdo it here. You want a nice, soft dough that’s easy to work with.
Shaping the Cookies
Alright, it’s time to shape our cookies! Roll the dough into balls, about an inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now, here’s the fun part: make an indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon. This is where all that delicious raspberry jam will go. Don’t skip this step—the jam is what makes these cookies so special!
Baking and Cooling
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them because they can go from perfect to overdone pretty quickly! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle. And trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Raspberry Jam Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps achieve that light, fluffy texture when creaming it with sugar. When rolling the dough into balls, try to keep them uniform in size so they bake evenly. For the jam filling, don’t be afraid to be generous—fill those indentations well, but avoid overfilling to prevent spillovers while baking. And here’s a little storage tip: store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them between parchment paper and place them in an airtight container. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. The numbers here are just estimates and not set in stone. For example, each cookie has about 120 calories, but if you swap out the butter or use a different jam, that can change things up a bit. Always feel free to customize to your taste, but remember to enjoy these cookies in moderation—after all, they’re a holiday treat!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is a classic choice, you can easily switch it up with your favorite jam. Strawberry, apricot, or even cherry jam make fantastic alternatives that add a unique twist to each cookie. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit, but it will still be delicious! Feel free to get creative and use whatever jam you have on hand!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Christmas Raspberry Jam Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to keep them longer, just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Be sure to seal the container tightly to keep them from drying out.
Can these cookies be frozen?
You bet! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely after baking, then place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper to separate them. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can whip up a batch in just 27 minutes!
- Festive flavor: The sweet and tart raspberry jam adds the perfect holiday touch.
- Easy to make: Simple steps make these cookies a breeze, even for beginners.
- Perfect for gatherings: They’re a hit at holiday parties and cookie exchanges.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different jams for a unique twist!
- Great for sharing: These cookies make wonderful gifts wrapped in festive packaging.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Christmas Raspberry Jam Cookies, the possibilities are endless! They pair beautifully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a warm spiced apple cider—imagine the cozy vibes! If you’re feeling fancy, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday dessert platter, nestled next to some peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies. Trust me, your guests will love the colorful spread! So, grab a few cookies, pour your favorite beverage, and savor the festive flavors together!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you! If you try these Christmas Raspberry Jam Cookies, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you put your own twist on them? Rate the recipe, and share your holiday baking stories—I can’t wait to read them!
For more delicious recipes, check out Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies.
Print
Christmas Raspberry Jam Cookies: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore Them
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas Raspberry Jam Cookies that are perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill the indentation with raspberry jam.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use any jam of your choice if you prefer.
- These cookies freeze well for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas, Raspberry, Jam, Cookies