Jewel Cookies are a festive treat traditionally made during the holidays, featuring buttery dough rolled in nuts and filled with glistening jam. Their name comes from the bright, jewel-like centers created by a dab of raspberry or other fruit preserves nestled into a thumbprint indentation. These cookies have become a nostalgic favorite in many homes, evoking cozy memories with their crisp edges, chewy centers, and sweet jam filling. The contrast of textures, from the soft, buttery cookie to the crunchy nuts and gooey fruit, is what makes them irresistible and timeless.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups butter (3 sticks )
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 eggs (large, separated)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 cups pecans (finely chopped )
- 2-3 egg whites (large, for coating)
- ½ tsp raspberry jam (or other jam per cookie)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Base
- Cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolks & Vanilla
- Separate the eggs. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla to the butter mixture.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Add salt and gradually mix in sifted flour until dough forms.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
- Shape dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 5: Coat in Nuts
- Lightly beat the egg whites. Dip each dough ball into egg white, then roll in finely chopped pecans.
Step 6: Make Thumbprints
- Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet. Press the center with your thumb to make an indentation.
Step 7: Add Jam
- Fill each indentation with approximately ½ tsp jam.
Step 8: Bake
- Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool on rack.
Tips
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier shaping.
- Swap jam flavors: apricot, blackberry, cherry, or lemon curd.
- For smoother indentations, press with the back of a teaspoon instead of your thumb.
- Add ½ tsp almond extract for a more aromatic cookie.
- Drizzle cooled cookies with a thin icing for extra sweetness.
- Roll dough balls in finely chopped coconut instead of nuts for a nut-free variation.
- Replace a portion of vanilla with maple extract for a warm flavor twist.
- Fill centers after baking if you prefer jam to stay glossy.
- Toast nuts lightly before rolling for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 302kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 88mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 470IUVitamin C: 0.6mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1.3mg
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