These tasty shortbread cookies have an interesting texture. Our JAM RECIPE today has a subtle orange flavor from the added zest. Make these Jammy Shortbread Cookies and enjoy them with your tea or coffee. The browned crust is the best part of these cookies. Dust them with icing sugar if desired to make them look more festive.

Recipe by Mama Ding

Total Time | 1 hr 20 mins

Prep Time | 10 mins + 30 mins in the freezer

Cook Time | 40 mins

Yields : One tray (20 cm/8 inch square)

Ingredients

480 g (4 cup) plain flour
¼ teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
2 tsp baking powder
450 g (1 lb/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
60 g (1/2 cup) icing sugar/confectioner’s sugar, for topping (optional)
3 to 4 tbsp Jam of your choice ~ we used apple jam
1 tsp orange zest

Method

01 To prepare shortbread:

Sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.

02 With mixer on high speed and using the paddle attachment, cream butter until light and fluffy, about 2 -3 mins.

Add all the egg yolks and sugar. Mix until sugar is dissolved and mixture is light, about 4 - 5 mins.

03 Switch mixer to low speed and add the sifted dry ingredients.

Mix until just incorporated. Do not over mix. You will get a soft dough.

Divide the cookie dough into 2 balls, wrap in cling wrap and freeze for 30 mins.

04 Add the orange zest to the jam. Mix well.

Set aside.

05 To assemble the shortbread cookies:

Preheat oven to 180 C/350 F.

After chilling, unwrap one ball of dough and flatten into 20cm/8 inch square. Place the dough into a lined/greased 20 cm/8 inch square baking pan.

Press down lightly, making sure you cover the corners.

Cover with 3 or 4 tbsp jam. Spread the jam evenly over the top.

Repeat with second ball and press down lightly.

06 Bake in the preheated oven at 180 C/350 F for 40 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle generously with icing sugar, if desired.

Let cool completely on the wire rack before removing from the baking pan and cutting into desired shapes or sizes.

Notes

These Jammy Shortbread Cookies can keep up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if stored in a covered airtight container. Warm up before serving.

You can use more or less jam, according to your preferred taste.