During the holiday season, there’s nothing quite as comforting as indulging in a freshly baked treat that warms both the belly and the heart. These Jelly Filled Christmas Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and nostalgic, evoking memories of cozy evenings by the fireplace and the joy of the festive season. The combination of buttery cookie dough and a burst of fruity jelly filling creates a delightful balance of flavors that will have your friends and family coming back for more. Let’s get started on spreading some holiday cheer with these delightful treats!
Jelly Filled Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup your favorite flavor of fruit jam or jelly
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, beating well after each addition until fully combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the centers, creating a window for the jelly filling. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Spoon a small amount of your favorite fruit jam or jelly onto the center of each whole cookie. Gently place the cut-out cookies on top of the filled cookies, pressing the edges together to seal in the jelly.
6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once the cookies have cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Serve these Jelly Filled Christmas Cookies alongside a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea, and watch as smiles light up the room with each delightful bite.
Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of the holiday season with these delectable Jelly Filled Christmas Cookies. They make a charming addition to any cookie platter and are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home. Share the joy of baking and the spirit of togetherness with these simple yet delightful treats. Happy baking and happy holidays!
