These Jam Sandwich Cookies are a fancy stuffed cookie recipe made with two thin cookies with raspberry jam in the middle. They are the perfect combination of a crunchy, buttery texture with the sweet and delicate taste of raspberries. They are made without eggs or dairy and with just 6 ingredients.
I love Christmas cookies. All of them! I love making them above all else. This is why I’ve made Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, Christmas Wreath Cookies, or Almond Snowball Cookies to name just a few!
I wanted to make cookies even fancier, that look like Christmas, taste like Christmas, and smell like it too. These tree-shaped, jam cookies are amazing. They are crunchy and butter, while having no dairy and no eggs!
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need 6 ingredients to make these cookies!
- All-Purpose Flour – This gives the cookies a light crunch. You cannot replace it with gluten-free all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free option, use my Almond Flour Sugar Cookies. Avoid using nut flours as they can alter the texture significantly.
- Dairy-Free Butter – This adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps bind the dough. You can substitute with coconut oil or margarine, though the flavor may vary.
- Powdered Sugar – Sugar sweetens the cookies and helps maintain a delicate, crisp texture. Replace it with a powdered sugar substitute like powdered monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option. Keep some for dusting on top of the cookies at the end.
- Almond Extract – Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. Swap with almond extract for a nuttier flavor.
- Raspberry Jam – Provides the sweet, fruity filling that contrasts the buttery cookies. Replace with other fruit jams like apricot, strawberry, or blueberry for a different flavor. Ensure the jam is vegan-friendly.
- Almond Milk – Almond milk binds the dough and adds moisture. You can use any plant-based milk such as oat, soy, or coconut milk depending on your preference.
How to Make Jam Sandwich Cookies
This recipe is all about the cutting of the cookies. Here’s how to make them.
Combine the powdered sugar and dairy-free butter in a bowl.
When the sugar butter batter is smooth, incorporate the flour, almond extract, and almond milk.
Work the batter with a silicone spatula until it can form a dough ball.
Split the dough into two equal balls, wrap them in plastic wrapping, and refrigerate them for 30 minutes.
Flatten the dough with a rolling pin.
Cut out as many cookie shapes as you can with your favorite cookie cutout.
Once you’ve made the cookies, re-roll the dough and keep making more cookies.
Use a straw to cut small holes in half of the cookies.
Bake the cookies for 11-14 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C.
Add some raspberry jam on the cookies without holes and close them with the holed cookies.
Expert Tips
These cookies are quite easy to make, but I’ve included below even more tips to make them perfect every time!
- Ensure Butter is Softened – For smooth incorporation, make sure your dairy-free butter is at room temperature to prevent lumps in the dough.
- Chill the Dough – Refrigerate the dough discs for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll the Dough Evenly – Use a rolling pin with guides to ensure the dough is uniformly thick, allowing for even baking.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough – Mix and knead until the dough just comes together. Overworking it can result in dense cookies.
- Cut the Shapes Carefully – Use a sharp cookie cutter and ensure you’re cutting straight down to avoid misshapen edges.
- Monitor the Bake Time – Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should turn golden brown on the edges; check them at 11 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Decorative Holes – If you don’t have a straw for making holes, any small, round object like the tip of a piping nozzle will work for creating that signature “top cookie” design.
- Fill with Jam While Cool – Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before assembling; warm cookies can cause the jam to melt and leak.
- Use Quality Jam – A high-quality, thick raspberry jam will hold better and provide a more intense fruit flavor.
- Storage Tips – Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Flavor Variations
You can try with different jam flavors, like apricot, blueberry, or even a tangy citrus marmalade.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the cookie dough for an extra depth of flavor.
Serving Ideas
Serve these jam sandwich cookies as a fancy tea-time treat or package them as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Pair them with a cup of vegan hot chocolate or a fruity tea for an elegant dessert experience.
Storage Tips
To prevent cookies from sticking together, store them in layers with parchment paper between each cookie.
Freeze unassembled cookies and jam separately for longer storage, then assemble when ready to serve.
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Jam Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ cups All-Purpose Flour - note 1
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar - note 2
- 1 cup Dairy-Free Butter (Unsalted) - softened at room temperature, note 3
- ¼ teaspoon Almond Extract - note 4
- 3-4 tablespoons Almond Milk - note 5
To fill and decorate
- ¼ cup Powdered Sugar
- ⅓ cup Raspberry Jam - note 6
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Stir with a rubber spatula, or beat with an electric beater until smooth and pale.
- Pour the flour, almond extract, and almond milk.
- Stir again with a rubber spatula, or knead with your hands until everything is well incorporated and a smooth cookie dough forms. If too dry, add a little extra almond milk. If too wet, add a little extra flour. The dough should be soft, pale and form a ball.
- Divide the dough in two parts and wrap them tightly in plastic wrapping. Flatten the dough balls into discs and refrigerate them for 30 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the fridge and place a disc of dough on a floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour on top of the disc and use a rolling pin to roll it out.
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and slightly oil with cooking oil spray. Set aside.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. I use a Christmas tree cookie cutter.
- Repeat until all the dough has been cut out into cookie shapes you love.
- Count the number of shapes you cut out. Use a straw to form 5 or 6 through holes in the dough. These will be the top cookies of your jam sandwiches from where the jam will squeeze out.
- Lay the cut out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a thumb of space apart between each cookie base.
- Bake the cookie shapes for 11-14 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C) until golden brown on the sides.
- Let them cool down completely on a wire rack before filling.
- Dust some icing sugar on the cookie shapes with holes – the top jam cookie part. Set aside.
- Spread jam on the other cookie shape – the plain ones with no holes – and press the cookie shape dusted with powdered sugar on top to form a jam cookie sandwich.
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