There’s something truly magical about biting into a soft, buttery cookie and discovering a sweet, fruity surprise inside. These jelly-filled cookies are a delightful combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth dough and vibrant jam, making them perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or just a cozy treat at home.
If you love classic homemade cookies, this recipe is for you! Whether you choose strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam, each bite bursts with flavor, bringing a nostalgic charm reminiscent of childhood bakeries. Plus, they’re incredibly fun to make—especially if you enjoy rolling, filling, and shaping dough.
Ready to bake a batch of irresistible, jam-packed goodness? Let’s get started! 🍪
Why You’ll Love Jelly Filled Cookies
If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a sweet, fruity center, this jelly-filled cookies recipe will quickly become a favorite! Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just indulging in a homemade treat, these cookies offer the perfect balance of soft, tender dough and luscious jam.
Here’s why you’ll love making (and eating!) Jelly Filled Cookies:
- Easy to Make – With simple pantry staples and a straightforward method, these cookies are beginner-friendly and fun to bake.
- Customizable Flavors – Use strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam, or experiment with other fillings like chocolate or lemon curd.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – These cookies are great for tea time, dessert platters, or homemade gifts.
- Nostalgic and Comforting – The combination of buttery dough and fruity jam brings back memories of bakery-fresh treats and childhood favorites.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, making it easy to bake fresh cookies anytime.
Whether you love classic jam-filled cookies or want to put your own twist on the recipe, these treats are sure to delight! Now, let’s gather the ingredients and get baking.
Ingredients of Jelly Filled Cookies
Before we dive into baking, let’s gather everything you need to make these buttery, jam-filled cookies. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the perfect texture and flavor, so opt for real butter, pure vanilla extract, and your favorite fruit jam for the best results.
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds a slight lift for a soft texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened – Creates a rich, buttery base.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and lightness to the dough.
- 1 large egg yolk – Enhances tenderness and richness.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, rich essence.
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (120g) fruit jam or preserves – Choose from strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or your favorite flavor. A seedless jam works best for a smooth filling.
Optional for Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) – Adds a delicate sweetness and bakery-style finish.
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions:
- For a crispier cookie, swap granulated sugar with powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Prefer a citrusy twist? Add ½ teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Want more richness? Substitute almond extract for vanilla to complement the fruity filling.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to bring these delicious cookies to life!
Instructions of Jelly Filled Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create soft, buttery jelly-filled cookies that are bursting with flavor. Take your time and enjoy the process—baking should be just as fun as eating these delightful treats!
1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. For the best texture, use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Blend in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling.
2: Shape and Fill the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Lightly dust a clean surface with flour, then roll out the dough until it reaches a ¼-inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches wide), cut out circles from the dough.
- Arrange half of the dough circles on the lined baking sheet.
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam onto the center of each cookie. Avoid adding too much jam, as it may spread while baking.
- With the remaining dough circles, cut a small hole or decorative shape in the center (optional, but it gives a beautiful effect).
- Gently place the cut-out dough circles on top of the jam-covered ones, pressing the edges lightly to seal. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
3: Bake to Perfection
- Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4: Finishing Touches
- Once the cookies have fully cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Now, take a bite and enjoy the buttery, flaky texture paired with that sweet, fruity jam filling—pure cookie perfection!
Pro Tips and Variations
Baking the perfect jelly-filled cookies is all about technique and creativity! Here are some expert tips and fun variations to help you customize this recipe and achieve the best results.
Pro Tips for Perfect Jelly Filled Cookies
- Chill the Dough – If your dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps prevent spreading and makes it easier to handle.
- Use the Right Jam – A thicker jam or fruit preserves works best, as it won’t leak out during baking. If your jam is too runny, simmer it on low heat for a few minutes to thicken before using.
- Prevent Overfilling – Use just ½ teaspoon of jam per cookie to avoid leakage. Too much filling can cause the cookies to break open while baking.
- Seal the Edges Well – Press the edges together firmly or use a fork to crimp them. This keeps the jam inside and gives the cookies a decorative touch.
- Even Baking – Bake cookies on the middle rack of your oven and use a light-colored baking sheet for even browning. Dark baking sheets can cause the bottoms to brown too quickly.
- Dust After Cooling – If adding powdered sugar, wait until the cookies are completely cool to prevent it from melting into the jam.
Fun Variations to Try Jelly Filled Cookies
Different Jam Flavors – Try apricot, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, or blueberry jam for a delicious twist.
🍫 Chocolate-Filled Cookies – Swap the jam for Nutella or melted chocolate for a rich, indulgent treat.
🌰 Nutty Delight – Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough or sprinkle chopped nuts over the jam for extra crunch.
🍋 Citrus Twist – Mix ½ teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, zesty flavor.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Holiday-Themed Cookies – Use heart, star, or holiday-themed cookie cutters to make festive treats for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or special occasions.
With these tips and variations, you can personalize your cookies and make them uniquely yours! Now, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and enjoy these delicious treats.
How to Serve Jelly Filled Cookies
These jelly-filled cookies are as delightful to serve as they are to eat! Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or saving them for a special occasion, here are some creative ways to serve and pair them.
1. Classic Enjoyment
- Serve them warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Pair with a glass of milk, hot coffee, or herbal tea for a cozy treat.
2. Dessert Platter Favorite
- Arrange them on a platter alongside other homemade cookies, shortbread, or chocolate-dipped treats for a beautiful dessert spread.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or special celebrations.
3. Gift-Worthy Treats
- Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or a ribbon-tied box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking or breaking.
4. Ice Cream Sandwich Twist
- For an extra indulgence, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies.
- Freeze for 15-20 minutes for a firmer texture before serving.
5. Festive Holiday Serving Ideas
- Shape the cookies using holiday-themed cutters for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Easter.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or a simple glaze to add extra sweetness.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these buttery, jam-filled cookies are sure to impress. Now, let’s wrap things up with a quick recap and final thoughts!
Jelly Filled Cookies
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup fruit jam of choice
- Powdered sugar for dusting optional
Instructions
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- If sticky, wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Shape & Fill the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out circles using a 2-inch cookie cutter.
- Place half of the circles on the baking sheet.
- Spoon ½ teaspoon jam onto each cookie center.
- Cut small shapes in the remaining circles (optional) and place them over the jam-filled cookies.
- Press edges lightly to seal.
Bake & Finish:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Baking these jelly-filled cookies is a truly rewarding experience, combining buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough with a sweet, fruity filling that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family treat, a holiday platter, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
With endless variations, from different jam flavors to chocolate or nutty twists, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Plus, with pro tips like chilling the dough, sealing the edges well, and using the right jam consistency, you’ll get bakery-quality cookies every time.
So why not preheat your oven and give these cookies a try? Bake, share, and enjoy—because nothing beats the joy of a homemade treat!
FAQs
A filled cookie is a type of cookie that has a sweet filling, such as jam, chocolate, nut butter, or cream, enclosed within the dough or placed in an indentation before baking. These cookies offer a delicious contrast between the buttery dough and the flavorful filling.
Thumbprint cookies are also known as hallongrotta (Swedish for “raspberry cave”), jam drops, or simply jam-filled cookies. They get their name from the small indentation made with a thumb or spoon, which is then filled with jam before baking.
A Linzer cookie is a sandwich-style cookie inspired by the Austrian Linzer torte. It consists of two buttery almond-flavored cookies with a layer of jam in between, often dusted with powdered sugar. The top cookie typically has a small cutout, allowing the jam to peek through.
Yes! Jam is a popular filling for cookies, adding sweetness and fruity flavor. To prevent leakage, use a thick jam or fruit preserves, and avoid overfilling. Some recipes bake the jam inside the cookie, while others use it as a topping after baking.
For thumbprint cookies, press a small indentation into the dough before baking and fill it with jam. For filled cookies, roll out the dough, place a small spoonful of filling in the center, and seal the edges before baking to keep the filling inside.
The term “magic cookie” is often associated with Magic Cookie Bars, a dessert made with layers of graham cracker crumbs, condensed milk, chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts. The “magic” comes from the way the ingredients bind together without the need for eggs or traditional mixing. Some people also refer to cookies with a surprise filling as “magic cookies” because of their hidden sweet centers.