Homemade Jam Pennies

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Assorted jams (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.) Assorted jams (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 80 kcal / 335 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
5. 5.
   Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6.
   With a smaller round cutter or the back of a piping tip, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
7. 7.
   Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam, using a different flavor for each cookie if desired.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
9. 9.
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Jam — Use your favorite flavors of jam to fill the cookies. Ensure the jam is thick enough to hold its shape during baking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced buttery flavor, use salted butter instead of unsalted.
• Experiment with different combinations of jam flavors to create a colorful assortment of Jam Pennies.
• Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• These cookies make a lovely gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.

Serving advice

Serve these Homemade Jam Pennies as a delightful addition to afternoon tea or as a sweet treat for any occasion. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Jam Pennies on a decorative platter or a tiered cake stand to showcase their vibrant colors. Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the cookies for an elegant touch.