Butter and Jam Cookies

The holidays always brings to mind the festive spirit of Christmas, the decorative lights, lovingly chosen gifts and the good cheer of joy. It also brings with it the never ending goodies and delicious food. One such food which everyone loves is Cookies. During this time of the year you come across cookies in all shapes, sizes, colours and flavours. It sure is a treat to the eyes as much as it is for the palette.

I decided to make a batch at home and give them to my close friends. My gift for the holidays :)

I have not tried a boxed cookie mix before, and decided to go ahead and make them from scratch. I found a easy and simple recipe from the Food Network website. I must say they were very delicious.

You will need:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened
2/3 cup sugar, plus more for rolling
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup strawberry jam (or raspberry/cherry jam)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl.

In another bowl, whip the butter and the sugar with a hand-held mixer until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until just combined. Slowly beat in the dry ingredients in 2 additions, mixing just until incorporated.

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls with a cookie or ice cream scoop and roll in sugar. Place about 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball, about 1/2-inch deep. Fill each indentation with about 3/4 teaspoon jam.

Bake cookies until the edges are golden, about 15 minutes. (For even color, rotate the pans from top to bottom about halfway through baking.) Cool cookies on the baking sheets. Serve.

Store cookies in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days.

The cookies weren't perfectly shaped, but tasted very good. I hope my friends will like it as much as I did.

This is my entry to the event "Eat Christmas Cookies" hosted by Susan of Food Blogga.

Happy Holidays everyone!!