Butter Cookies with Jam Centers
Yield: 24–30 cookies
Ingredients
- 250 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 120 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 320 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 30 g (¼ cup) cornstarch (for extra tenderness)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cherry or strawberry jam, or glacé cherries for decoration
Nutrition (Approximate Per Cookie)
Makes about 30 cookies.
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
Nutritional values are estimates and vary depending on cookie size and filling.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together:
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter
Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy (2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Sugar
Add sugar gradually and beat until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Egg
Mix in:
- Egg
- Vanilla
Beat until fully combined.
Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients
Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a soft piping dough forms.
Do not overmix.
Step 7: Pipe Cookies
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Pipe rosettes about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Add Jam
Place about ½ teaspoon of jam in the center of each cookie.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 10: Cool
Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips
- Butter should be soft but not melted.
- If the dough is too stiff to pipe, mix in 1–2 teaspoons of milk.
- Chill piped cookies for 10–15 minutes before baking for sharper shapes.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain pale with lightly golden edges.
Storage
- Airtight container: 1 week at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Omit the added salt.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading?
The butter may have been too soft or warm. Chill the piped cookies before baking.
Q: Why is the dough too hard to pipe?
Add 1–2 teaspoons of milk until the dough is pipeable.
Q: Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes. Use 100 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) powdered sugar for a softer, more delicate cookie.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before piping.
Q: What fillings work besides jam?
- Chocolate ganache
- Lemon curd
- Caramel
- Nutella
- Raspberry preserves
