Name: Jam Drops Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 125 g unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup caster sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour; 1/3 cup fruit jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

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Jam Drops are the kind of treat that instantly whisk you away to afternoon tea with loved ones—bite-sized, buttery cookies with vibrant jewels of jam tucked at their center. This recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet, tart burst from your favorite fruity jam, all tucked neatly into irresistible little biscuits. Whether you choose raspberry, strawberry, or classic apricot, every bite feels nostalgic and comforting. If you’re after a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these Jam Drops will soon become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you peek into your pantry, you’ll likely find you have almost everything needed for Jam Drops. Each ingredient brings something special—richness, sweetness, a little lift, or that classic fruity color on top. Here’s what goes into the magic:

Unsalted butter (125 g, softened): Gives the dough its richness and signature tender crumb—make sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
Caster sugar (1/2 cup): Dissolves effortlessly into the dough, ensuring a soft texture and subtle sweetness.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough and brings a touch of golden color for that perfect cookie hue.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash goes a long way in elevating flavor and bringing out the jam’s fruity notes.
Self-raising flour (1 1/2 cups): The secret to soft, slightly puffy cookies that hold their shape but never go dry.
Fruit jam (1/3 cup, raspberry, strawberry, or apricot): The crowning glory—choose your favorite for a pop of color and flavor right in the center.

How to Make Jam Drops

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Trays

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it hits the sweet spot for even, golden baking. Take out two baking trays and line them with parchment paper—this keeps the Jam Drops from sticking and means easier cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter and caster sugar. Use a handheld mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture looks pale, light, and fluffy. This step creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines homemade Jam Drops.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and everything is fully incorporated. You’ll notice an extra creaminess at this stage, which is exactly what you want for a soft dough.

Step 4: Mix in the Flour

Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and gently fold the self-raising flour into the batter. You’re aiming for a soft, but not sticky, dough—if it becomes difficult to work with, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up a bit.

Step 5: Shape and Fill

Scoop out teaspoon-sized balls of dough and roll them between your palms until smooth. Place each one onto the prepared trays, making sure to leave space for a little spreading. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into each ball, then spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each well. This is where Jam Drops earn their name and irresistible appearance.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the trays in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Watch them closely—overbaking takes away from that perfect tenderness. Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Jam Drops

Garnishes

For a simple yet stunning finish, dust your Jam Drops lightly with icing sugar before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios around the jam adds a pop of color and crunch, making these humble cookies look pastry-shop worthy.

Side Dishes

Jam Drops pair beautifully with a cup of strong English breakfast tea or even a frothy cappuccino. For a special occasion, serve them as part of an elegant afternoon tea spread alongside fresh berries and delicate finger sandwiches for a symphony of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Jam Drops on a vintage cake stand for a nostalgic touch, or tuck several into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts. Mixing up the jam flavors in one batch creates a colorful, jewel-like array—perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or simply delighting guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Jam Drops are completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 5 days. They hold up beautifully, retaining their soft interior and jammy centers without drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze like a dream! Layer cooled Jam Drops between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for an instant homemade cookie fix whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

If you love warm cookies, pop a few Jam Drops in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 3–4 minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds. This refreshes the cookies and gives the jam a gooey, just-baked feel all over again.

FAQs

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

Absolutely! If you only have plain flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder to the 1 1/2 cups of flour to achieve the same light, airy texture that makes Jam Drops so delightful.

Which jam flavor works best for Jam Drops?

It’s hard to go wrong, but raspberry and strawberry are perennial classics thanks to their vibrant colors and fruity tartness. Apricot brings a sunny golden hue, and even blackberry or plum make for lovely, slightly tangy alternatives.

How do I keep the jam from spreading too much in the oven?

Choose a thicker, good-quality jam, and avoid overfilling the indentation—about 1/2 teaspoon is just right. If your jam seems especially runny, try stirring in a pinch of cornflour before filling the cookies.

My dough is very sticky. What should I do?

Sticky dough is often due to warm butter, but it’s no problem! Simply chill the dough in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This makes rolling and shaping much easier, and allows for crisper edges on your Jam Drops.

Can I make Jam Drops gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour blend (with added baking powder), but check your jam for any hidden gluten and always read labels carefully for allergies or intolerances.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Jam Drops. Whether you bake them for a festive morning tea, as homemade gifts, or simply to fill your kitchen with the aroma of sweet, buttery goodness, these little cookies are a joyful classic worth sharing. Give them a try—the only hard part will be sharing!

Jam Drops Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These classic jam drops are delightful thumbprint cookies that are perfect for any occasion. With a buttery base and a sweet jam filling, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

125 g unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups self-raising flour

For the filling:

1/3 cup fruit jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
Gradually fold in flour: Gradually fold in the self-raising flour to form a soft dough.
Shape the cookies: Roll teaspoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared trays. Make an indentation in the center of each ball.
Add jam: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cool and serve: Allow to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.