Jelly Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 36 Cuisine: American

Jelly cookies are delightful treats with buttery, tender bases filled with sweet jelly, perfect for parties, snacking, or gift-giving, offering a colorful, fruity flavor with a chewy texture.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; add eggs and vanilla.
  2. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add flour gradually, mixing well.
  4. Pinch off a walnut-sized piece of dough and roll in floured hands to make a smooth ball.
  5. Place on a lightly greased pan.
  6. Use your thumb to make a depression in the center of each cookie and fill with jelly.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until jelly is bubbly but edges are not too brown.
  8. Let cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of regular. If you don't have jelly, you can substitute with fruit preserves or even peanut butter for a different twist. Make sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping if it feels too soft. This helps in achieving a better texture during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These jelly cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For an appealing platter, pair them with Grandma's Old Fashion Tea Cakes or even a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays or as a sweet gift for friends.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover jelly cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jelly Cookies contains roughly 184 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 17g fat.

184 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.3g 1% DV
Total Fat 16.9g 22% DV
Carbs 4g 1% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 8.7mg
Potassium 33.3mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 57.2mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.8mcg
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Calcium 7.9mg 1% DV
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of jelly for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with any flavor of jelly or preserves you like. Raspberry, strawberry, and apricot are popular choices, but feel free to get creative with seasonal fruits or even try a spiced jelly for a unique flavor profile.

Why did my jelly cookies spread too much during baking?

If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to soft butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is at room temperature, not melted, and consider chilling your dough before baking. Adding a little more flour can also help achieve the desired shape.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these jelly cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your jelly is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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