Laura Mariano
Raspberry Jam Drops
Few treats capture the nostalgia of home baking quite like Raspberry Jam Drops. These jewel-like cookies are a timeless favorite, perfect for afternoon tea, holiday trays, or baking sessions with kids. With their buttery shortbread-style base and vibrant raspberry jam centers, they bring both elegance and comfort to the table.
The beauty of jam drops lies in their simplicity. A soft, buttery dough is rolled into balls, pressed with a thumbprint or spoon to create a small indentation, then filled with ruby-red raspberry jam. As they bake, the cookies turn golden while the jam sets into a glossy, sweet-tart center.
Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or stored for festive occasions, raspberry jam drops are versatile, easy to make, and universally loved. They embody the joy of baking—simple ingredients transformed into something delightful, nostalgic, and irresistibly charming.
The History & Popularity of Jam Drops
Jam drops trace their origins to European baking traditions, particularly the thumbprint cookie, which has long been a staple in Scandinavian and Central European kitchens. The concept of pressing dough and filling it with jam or preserves quickly spread worldwide, becoming a beloved home-baking ritual.
Raspberry jam emerged as the classic filling thanks to its balance of sweetness and tartness, which pairs beautifully with buttery dough. Over time, jam drops became a staple in holiday cookie assortments, tea-time spreads, and family baking traditions. Their enduring popularity lies in their simplicity, versatility, and nostalgic appeal.
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- Buttery cookie base: Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with rich flavor.
- Raspberry jam center: Sweet-tart, fruity brightness that contrasts the richness.
- Optional powdered sugar dusting: Adds elegance and a hint of sweetness.
- Overall balance: Rich, creamy base paired with vibrant fruitiness for a perfect bite.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Butter: Unsalted, softened for a creamy, rich base.
- Sugar: Caster or granulated for sweetness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and aroma.
- Raspberry jam: Seedless or homemade for smooth, glossy centers.
- Optional extras: Lemon zest for brightness, almond extract for depth.
Tip: Chill dough before shaping to ensure neat, uniform cookies that hold their shape during baking.
Raspberry Jam Drops Recipe | Classic Buttery Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup caster sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup raspberry jam (seedless or homemade)
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest or ½ tsp almond extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in flour: Gradually add flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add lemon zest or almond extract if desired.
- Chill dough: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Make indentations: Press a thumb or spoon into the center of each ball to create a well.
- Fill with jam: Spoon ½ teaspoon raspberry jam into each indentation.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and finish: Cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Tip: Chill dough before shaping to prevent spreading.
- Make-ahead: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months; bake from frozen with 2 extra minutes.
- Variations: Use different jams, chocolate, or nutty dough for creative twists.
- Serving idea: Pair with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
