Nana'S Jelly Tots
Delightful jelly-filled cookies with warm cinnamon and almond flavors, perfect for sweet snacks or special occasions, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter or margarine, cinnamon, powdered sugar, salt, almond extract, vanilla, and cake flour together well, but not too long.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a cookie sheet and make a depression in the center of each with your thumb.
- Fill each depression with jelly or preserves of your choice.
- Bake in a hot oven at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have almond extract, you can substitute with hazelnut or vanilla extract. Ensure the dough is not over-mixed to keep the cookies tender. Using a variety of fruit preserves can add a fun twist to these Jelly Tots. For a festive touch, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
These Jelly Tots are perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat after meals. They pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert platter, consider serving them alongside My Grandma'S Butter Crescents or Crisp Cookies. They also make a charming addition to any holiday cookie tray.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Jelly Tots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their softness. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Jelly Tots contains roughly 124 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
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 flour for this recipe?
While cake flour gives these cookies a tender texture, you can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different. Using gluten-free flour is also an option, but ensure it’s a blend that works well for baking.
What types of jelly or preserves work best?
You can use any jelly or preserves you like! Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry are popular choices. For a unique twist, try using lemon curd or a spiced apple butter. The key is to choose something that complements the cinnamon flavor in the cookie.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, shape the balls and store them in the freezer. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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).