Irresistible Christmas Jelly Cookies: Spiced Holiday Treats & Perfect Homemade Gifts
The festive season brings with it a unique warmth, not just from cozy fires and twinkling lights, but also from the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. This year, as every year, my kitchen transforms into a delightful bakery, filled with the enchanting scent of Christmas. Among my treasured holiday recipes, these Christmas Jelly Cookies hold a special place. They might appear intricate with their charming jelly filling, but I promise you, they are wonderfully simple to create, making them an ideal project for both seasoned bakers and eager beginners.
What makes these cookies truly shine is their distinct flavor profile, built upon a foundation of rich, warming gingerbread spices. Imagine the harmonious blend of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom – these aren’t just spices; they are the very essence of winter, evoking memories of joyful celebrations and snug evenings. The dough itself, infused with these aromatic treasures, creates a perfect canvas for the star of our filling: luscious strawberry jam. Now, a little secret from my home: this particular jam is a huge hit with the kids, so much so that I often have to guard a few spoons-worth just for baking! And much like the jam, these cookies vanish in a flash once they hit the cooling rack, a testament to their irresistible deliciousness.
Baking these cookies isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing a tradition. The act of rolling out the dough, cutting out festive shapes, and carefully filling each one with a burst of fruity sweetness becomes a cherished ritual. They are more than just a sweet treat; they are a symbol of homemade love, perfect for sharing with family and friends, gracing your Christmas table, or gifting as a thoughtful, edible present. Their spiced warmth and sweet jelly core make them an absolute delight on a cold winter’s day, bringing a smile to everyone’s face.
Why You’ll Love These Spiced Jelly Cookies
These Christmas Jelly Cookies are designed to be a highlight of your holiday baking. Here’s why they’ll become a new tradition in your home:
- **Bursting with Festive Flavors:** The robust blend of gingerbread spices—cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom—creates a truly authentic holiday taste that perfectly complements the sweet fruit jelly.
- **Simple Yet Elegant:** Despite their stunning appearance with a jam-filled center, the recipe is straightforward and accessible, even for those new to holiday baking.
- **Versatile for Gifting:** Packed in a decorative box or tied with a festive ribbon, these cookies make a beautiful and delicious homemade gift that shows you care.
- **Kid-Friendly Fun:** Involving children in the cookie-making process, especially with cookie cutters and jam filling, can be a wonderful holiday activity. Just be sure to keep an eye on the jam jar!
- **Perfect for Winter Comfort:** There’s nothing quite like a spiced cookie with a warm cup of tea or coffee on a chilly winter evening. These cookies embody that cozy feeling.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Jelly Cookies
Achieving beautifully shaped and perfectly baked jelly cookies is easier than you think with a few simple tricks up your sleeve. These expert tips will help ensure your festive treats turn out just right every time:
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: This is arguably the most crucial step for uniform cookies. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle and roll out, but it also prevents the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven. When the dough is cold and firm, it holds its shape much better during baking, ensuring your charming cut-outs remain distinct and your cookie halves fit together perfectly. Aim for at least one hour in the refrigerator, or even overnight for the best results. A well-chilled dough is key to maintaining those precise, festive shapes.
- Roll Dough Between Plastic Wrap or Baking Mats: To make rolling out your cookie dough a breeze and prevent it from sticking to your rolling pin or work surface, always roll it between two sheets of plastic wrap or directly on a silicone baking mat covered with another sheet of plastic. This method eliminates the need for excess flour, which can toughen the dough, and makes transferring the cut-out cookies to the baking sheet incredibly easy. Plus, the dough is already in place on your baking mat, ready to be cut and chilled again.
- Use Two Sizes of Cookie Cutters: For the classic jelly cookie look, you’ll need two cookie cutters: one larger one for the base cookie and a smaller one to create the window in the top cookie. Ensure your cookie cutters are clean and sharp to get precise edges. Dipping them lightly in flour before each cut can also help prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overbake: These spiced cookies bake relatively quickly, usually in about 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. You’re looking for golden-brown edges, but the centers should still be slightly soft when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool. Overbaked cookies will be dry and brittle, losing that delightful chewiness.
- Cool Completely Before Assembling: It’s tempting to assemble these beauties while they’re still warm, but patience is a virtue here. Allow the baked cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before spreading the jam. Warm cookies can absorb the jam, making them soggy, or cause the jam to run. A cool cookie provides a stable base for your delicious filling.
- Choose Your Jam Wisely: While strawberry jam is a fantastic choice, feel free to experiment with other jellies or jams that hold their shape well. Raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam can offer delightful variations. Make sure your jam isn’t too runny; a slightly thicker jam will stay in place better.
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Need more inspiration?
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Handmixer
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plastic foil
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Refrigerator
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Rolling Pin
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Cookie cutter
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
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Parchment paper
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Baking tray
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Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 225 grams butter, unsalted, at room temperature for easy creaming
- 160 grams dark brown sugar
- 160 grams golden syrup
- 1 egg , large, to bind the dough
- 1 tablespoon gingerbread spices
- 1 pinch salt
- 500 gram all-purpose flour
- 7 tablespoons strawberry or preferred jelly/jam
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and golden syrup. Using a hand mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy, which typically takes about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
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Crack the large egg into the creamy mixture. Continue to mix with the hand mixer on low speed until the egg is fully incorporated into the dough, ensuring there are no streaks of egg visible.
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Add the gingerbread spices and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed, just until the spices and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where the wonderful winter aroma begins to develop!
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Gradually sift the all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients. Mix on the lowest speed setting of your mixer. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the flour is just incorporated and a soft dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and divide it into two equal halves. Shape each half into a flat disk, making it easier to roll out later. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.
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Place both wrapped dough disks into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential for making the dough firm and easier to roll, which helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. For best results, you can chill it for up to 24 hours.
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Once chilled, remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator. Place it on a silicone baking mat or a piece of parchment paper. Cover the dough with another sheet of plastic foil or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes rolling cleaner.
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Using a rolling pin, roll the dough evenly until it reaches a thickness of approximately 0.5 cm (about 1/4 inch). Aim for consistent thickness across the entire sheet of dough to ensure even baking.
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Using your chosen cookie cutter (the larger one), cut out as many cookies as possible from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer these whole cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place this baking sheet with the cut-out cookies back into the refrigerator for at least half an hour to firm up again. This second chill is crucial for shape retention.
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Take the second disc of dough from the refrigerator. Repeat steps 6-7 to roll it out to the same 0.5 cm thickness. Using the same large cookie cutter, cut out cookies. Then, take a smaller cookie cutter (e.g., a mini heart, star, or circle) and cut out a decorative shape from the center of *each* of these cookies. These will be the top halves of your jelly cookies.
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Carefully transfer these cut-out top cookies (with the center removed) onto a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place this baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for at least half an hour, just like the solid base cookies.
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While the cookies are chilling, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350°F). If you are using a convection oven with an air fan, reduce the temperature to 160°C (325°F). Prepare your oven racks to the middle position.
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Remove the thoroughly chilled cookies (both solid and cut-out halves) from the refrigerator. Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are just set. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close watch.
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Once baked, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature before handling or assembling. This prevents breakage and ensures the jam won’t melt or make the cookies soggy.
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Once cooled, take one of the whole, solid base cookies. Spread a generous tablespoon of your chosen jelly (like strawberry jam) onto its surface, leaving a small border. Carefully take one of the top cookies (with the cut-out center) and gently place it directly on top of the jam-covered base, aligning the edges perfectly. The jam should peek through the cutout, creating a beautiful stained-glass effect.
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Your beautiful and delicious Christmas Jelly Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately to eager guests, or package them up for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Nutrition
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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To ensure your Christmas Jelly Cookies remain fresh and delicious throughout the holiday season, follow these simple storage and make-ahead tips:
- Storing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled and assembled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To prevent the cookies from sticking together or the jam from transferring, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: If you’re planning far ahead or have made a large batch, these cookies can be frozen. Place the assembled and completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Making Dough Ahead: The cookie dough is excellent for making in advance. After preparing the dough disks and wrapping them in plastic wrap (Step 5), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This is perfect for breaking up your holiday baking tasks. Alternatively, you can freeze the raw dough for up to a month. Thaw the frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
- Baking Unfilled Cookies: You can bake both the solid base cookies and the cut-out top cookies ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers. Then, assemble them with jam closer to when you plan to serve, ensuring the jam remains fresh and vibrant.
Flavor Variations to Explore
While strawberry jam and gingerbread spices create a classic combination, these versatile Christmas Jelly Cookies are fantastic for experimentation. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Alternate Jams/Jellies: Don’t limit yourself to strawberry! Raspberry jam offers a delightful tartness, apricot jam provides a sunny sweetness, or a rich cherry preserve could be wonderfully festive. You can even try a combination of colors for a more vibrant cookie platter.
- Spice Blend Adjustments: If you prefer a different spice profile, feel free to adjust the “gingerbread spices.” A touch of nutmeg or allspice can deepen the flavor. For a more subtle spice, reduce the amount. You could also try a pure cinnamon cookie for a different classic.
- Citrus Zest: A hint of orange or lemon zest added to the dough along with the spices can brighten the overall flavor and add a festive note.
- Glaze or Dusting: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top cookies (with the cut-out centers) with powdered sugar before assembling. This creates a beautiful contrast against the jam. Alternatively, a simple lemon or orange glaze drizzled over the finished cookies can add a delightful tangy finish.
- Different Cut-out Shapes: Beyond hearts, explore other small cookie cutter shapes for the center window – stars, Christmas trees, bells, or even tiny snowflakes. The possibilities are endless for making each cookie unique.
These Christmas Jelly Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an invitation to create lasting memories in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or venture into exciting new flavor combinations, the warmth of the spices and the sweetness of the jam are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!