Irresistible Christmas Jelly Cookies with Warm Winter Spices: Your Festive Baking Guide
The holiday season brings with it a special kind of warmth and joy, and for many, that feeling is deeply intertwined with the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the home. This year, just like every year, I found myself drawn to the kitchen, eager to create a treat that embodies the spirit of winter. The result? These utterly delicious Christmas jelly cookies, infused with enchanting winter spices and boasting a delightful surprise of fruit jam in their heart. While they might appear intricate, I promise you, they are surprisingly simple to make and will quickly become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition.
These beautiful cookies, crafted with fragrant winter spices and generously stuffed with delectable jellies, are simply divine when the weather turns cold. They are not only a delicious addition to your Christmas celebrations but also make for wonderfully thoughtful homemade gifts.
My journey to creating these festive delights began with a rich, buttery cookie dough. To capture the essence of the season, I generously flavored it with classic gingerbread spices – a harmonious blend of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. These spices don’t just add an incredible aroma; they evoke a sense of comfort and coziness that perfectly complements the chilly winter air. For the filling, I chose a vibrant strawberry jam. There’s just something about the bright, fruity sweetness of strawberry that perfectly cuts through the warmth of the spices, creating a truly balanced flavor profile. It’s safe to say that in my home, this jam, and subsequently these cookies, disappeared in the blink of an eye!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Jelly Cookies
These aren’t just any ordinary holiday cookies. They offer a unique blend of flavors and textures that make them stand out. From the moment the winter spices hit your nose during baking to the first bite revealing that sweet, fruity center, these cookies are designed to delight.
The Magic of Winter Spices
The heart of these cookies lies in their exquisite spice blend. Gingerbread spices, typically including cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and sometimes ginger and nutmeg, are more than just flavorings; they are a sensory experience. Cinnamon adds warmth, cloves a pungent sweetness, and cardamom a bright, almost citrusy note. Together, they create a complex and comforting flavor that is synonymous with the festive season. Using a pre-mixed gingerbread spice blend makes preparation incredibly easy, allowing you to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor without needing individual spice jars.
A Sweet Surprise Inside
The jelly filling is what truly sets these cookies apart. A dollop of your favorite jam nestled between two spiced cookies transforms them into an elegant, sandwich-style treat. While I opted for classic strawberry jam due to its popularity (and my children’s immense fondness for it!), the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Imagine raspberry for a tart kick, apricot for a sunny sweetness, or even a mixed berry compote for a more complex flavor. The jam not only adds a burst of fruity flavor but also a lovely chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp cookie.
Perfect for Gifting & Gatherings
Beyond being a delightful indulgence for yourself, these Christmas jelly cookies are ideal for sharing. Their charming appearance, especially with a cutout center revealing the colorful jam, makes them a visually appealing addition to any holiday platter. They are also fantastic as homemade gifts. Package them in a decorative tin or a small box tied with a festive ribbon, and you have a heartfelt present that everyone will appreciate. The effort put into baking shines through, making them a truly special offering for friends, family, and neighbors.
Essential Tips for Perfect Jelly Cookies
Achieving perfectly shaped and deliciously tender cookies is easier than you think, especially with a few smart techniques. Here are my top tips to ensure your Christmas jelly cookies turn out beautifully every time:
- Chill Your Dough Thoroughly: To ensure your cookies maintain their precise size and charming cutout shapes in the oven, it is absolutely crucial to chill the dough. Cold dough is much more stable and less prone to spreading, meaning your beautifully cut cookies will hold their form during baking. Make sure both the initial dough and the cut-out shapes are well-chilled before baking.
- Effortless Rolling Technique: Rolling out cookie dough can sometimes be a sticky affair. To make it a breeze, place your dough on a baking mat and cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap before rolling. This prevents the dough from sticking to your rolling pin, ensuring a smooth, even thickness. Plus, by rolling on the baking mat, your cookie shapes are already in the perfect spot for transferring directly to the oven.
- Precision in Thickness: Aim for a dough thickness of approximately 0.5 cm (about 1/5 inch). This thickness ensures the cookies bake evenly, resulting in a tender interior and crisp edges, without being too fragile once assembled with the jam.
- Two-Step Cutting: Remember to cut solid bases for the bottom of your cookies and then cut a second batch with smaller shapes in the center for the tops. This creates that lovely window effect for the jam.
- Choosing the Right Cookie Cutters: While any festive shape works, ensure your cookie cutters are sharp for clean edges. For the tops, a smaller cutter (like a mini heart, star, or circle) will create an appealing peek-through for your jam filling.
- Patience is a Virtue (Especially with Cooling): Once baked, allow your cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to move them. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage, especially the more delicate top pieces.
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📖 Recipe: Christmas Jelly Cookies
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Hand Mixer
A good hand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar much easier and faster.
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Plastic Wrap
Essential for chilling the dough and for mess-free rolling.
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Refrigerator
Crucial for chilling the dough, which prevents spreading and helps cookies hold their shape.
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Rolling Pin
For rolling the dough to an even thickness.
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Cookie Cutters (Large and Small)
You’ll need two sizes: one for the base cookies and a smaller one for the cutouts on top.
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Oven (Conventional Recommended)
A conventional oven is used for this recipe. If using a convection oven (with air fan), decrease the temperature by 30°F / 20°C.
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Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
For lining baking trays to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Baking Tray
For baking the cookies.
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Pastry Brush (Optional)
Useful for dusting off excess flour from the cookies before baking.
Ingredients
- 225 grams butter, unsalted, at room temperature for easy creaming
- 160 grams dark brown sugar for depth of flavor and moisture
- 160 grams golden syrup or light corn syrup for chewiness
- 1 large egg , size L, beaten
- 1 tablespoon gingerbread spices or a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom
- 1 pinch salt to balance the sweetness
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 7 tablespoons strawberry jelly or jam or your favorite flavor
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 room temperature unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and golden syrup. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light, fluffy, and creamy, which typically takes about 3 minutes.
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Crack the large egg into the creamy butter mixture and continue to mix until it is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
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Add the gingerbread spice blend and a pinch of salt to the batter. Mix on low speed just until the spices are evenly distributed. The aroma will instantly transport you to a winter wonderland!
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Sift the all-purpose flour directly over the wet ingredients in the bowl. Mix on the lowest speed of your mixer just until the flour is incorporated and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
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Transfer the dough to a clean surface and divide it into two equal halves. Gently shape each half into a flat disk, then wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap.
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Place both wrapped dough disks in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential for making the dough easier to roll and for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Once chilled, remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator. Place it on a baking mat or a lightly floured surface, and cover it with another sheet of plastic wrap.
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Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out evenly until it reaches a thickness of approximately 0.5 cm (about 1/5 inch). The plastic wrap on top will prevent sticking.
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Using your chosen cookie cutter (the larger size for the base), cut out cookie shapes. Carefully transfer them to a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the baking tray with the cut-out cookies back into the refrigerator for at least half an hour to chill again.
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Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second disk of dough. This time, after cutting out the main cookie shapes, use a smaller cookie cutter (e.g., a mini heart or star) to cut out a decorative shape from the center of each cookie. These will be the top cookies.
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Arrange these top cookies on a separate baking tray lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator as well.
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While the cookies are chilling, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). If you are using a convection oven, reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Once your oven is preheated, remove the chilled cookies from the refrigerator. Bake them for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and cookie thickness.
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Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely to room temperature before assembling. They will firm up as they cool.
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To assemble, take one whole cookie (the base) and spread about half a tablespoon of your chosen jelly or jam on its flat surface. Then, carefully place a second cookie, one with the cutout in the middle, directly on top, aligning the edges. The jam will peek through the cutout, creating a beautiful effect.
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Your Christmas jelly cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately, or store them for later.
Nutrition
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Beyond the Recipe: Variations & Serving Suggestions
While the classic strawberry jam and gingerbread spice combination is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative with your Christmas jelly cookies! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Spice It Up!
- Gingerbread Twist: For an even stronger gingerbread flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground ginger or a hint of black pepper to your spice blend.
- Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest added to the dough can brighten the flavors and complement the spices beautifully.
- Nutty Notes: For an extra layer of flavor, finely ground almonds or pecans can be added to the flour mixture. This will also give the cookies a slightly richer texture.
Jam Variations
The choice of jam can dramatically change the character of these cookies:
- Raspberry Jam: Offers a delightful tartness that perfectly balances the sweet and spicy cookie.
- Apricot Jam: Provides a sunny, mellow sweetness and a beautiful golden hue.
- Cranberry Sauce/Jam: A wonderfully festive choice, especially if you can find one with a touch of orange or spice.
- Fig Jam: For a more sophisticated and less sweet option, fig jam pairs exceptionally well with winter spices.
- Lemon Curd: While not a jelly, lemon curd offers a zesty, creamy alternative that brightens the cookies beautifully.
Decorative Touches
Elevate the visual appeal of your cookies with simple decorations:
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top cookies before assembly creates a beautiful snowy effect, especially if you’re using a star or snowflake cutout.
- Simple Glaze: A thin glaze made from powdered sugar and a few drops of milk or lemon juice can add a touch of elegance. Drizzle it over the top cookies before sandwiching them.
- Edible Glitter: For extra sparkle, a sprinkle of edible glitter on the jam peeking through the cutout adds a magical touch perfect for Christmas.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile cookies can be enjoyed in many ways:
- With Your Favorite Hot Beverage: Perfect alongside a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or even a mulled wine.
- Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange them beautifully on a platter with other festive treats for a stunning display.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a few cookies over vanilla ice cream for a spiced, fruity dessert.
- On the Go: Pack them in lunchboxes or as a delicious snack for busy holiday shopping days.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your Christmas jelly cookies tasting their best, proper storage is key:
- At Room Temperature: Once assembled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freezing Dough: The raw cookie dough can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked, un-filled cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature, then fill with jam. This is a great way to get ahead on your holiday baking!
Baking these Christmas jelly cookies is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating memories, sharing joy, and embracing the festive spirit. The rich spices, sweet jam, and delightful presentation make them a truly special treat that will bring smiles to everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and let the magic of Christmas baking fill your home!
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing these wonderful cookies. Don’t forget to let me know how they turned out in the comments below, and please do tag me on Instagram with #byandreajanssen so I can see your beautiful creations!