Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery Bliss : The rich, crumbly shortbread melts in your mouth.
- Sweet Jam Center : A burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
- Easy & Classic : Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a nostalgic treat.
- Customizable : Use your favorite jam flavors like strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd.
- Perfect for Sharing : These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious—ideal for gifting or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 24–30 cookies
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened 🧈
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup jam (your choice of flavor—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.)
- Optional : Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball. If the cookies crack slightly, use your fingers to smooth the edges.
Step 4: Add the Jam
- Spoon a small amount of jam into the indentation of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will spread slightly during baking.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes , until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch
- Dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.