There’s something truly enchanting about baking during the holiday season. As the first snowflakes begin to twirl down from the sky and the scent of pine fills the air, I find myself daydreaming of sweet treats that evoke warmth and joy. One of my all-time favorite recipes that captures this festive spirit is the Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits. They’re delicate, buttery delights with a surprise fruity center that melts in your mouth with every bite.
What makes these biscuits even more special is their versatility—whether you prefer the classic sweetness of strawberry or the tangy zing of raspberry, you can mix and match your favorite jams to create your perfect cookie. Best of all, no fancy equipment is needed, making this a stress-free baking project to enjoy with loved ones. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into a recipe that promises to bring smiles to every holiday gathering!
Why are Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits irresistible?
Unmatched Versatility: You can switch up jams to please everyone.
Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients yield maximum flavor—no fuss at all!
Perfect Texture: Enjoy a delightful crunch paired with a melt-in-your-mouth center.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These biscuits are sure to impress guests of all ages.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance to save time during busy holidays.
Great for Gifting: Beautifully packaged, they make a heartfelt gift for friends and family.
Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits Ingredients
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – adds richness and tenderness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – sweetens and contributes to a light texture; regular sugar can be used, but the texture may differ.
- Vanilla Bean Paste – enhances flavor depth; opt for vanilla extract if needed.
- All-Purpose Flour – provides structure and balance; a gluten-free flour blend works as a substitute.
- Rice Flour or Corn Starch – helps create a tender crumb; cornstarch is an excellent alternative for rice flour.
For the Jam Filling
- Jam (e.g., Strawberry, Apricot) – fills the center with sweetness and moisture; use smooth jam to avoid a chunky filling.
These Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits are the perfect treat for any holiday gathering!
How to Make Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, to achieve that delightful creamy consistency.
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Mix Flour: Sift and gently fold in the all-purpose flour and rice flour (or cornstarch) until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky to the touch.
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Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 25 minutes. Chilling is essential to prevent the biscuits from spreading during baking.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line your baking trays with parchment paper for easy transfer.
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Roll and Cut: Once chilled, roll out one disc between two sheets of baking paper to about 4mm thickness. Cut out 12 biscuits using a fluted cutter.
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Create Cut-Outs: Roll the second disc, repeating the process but this time cut out shapes with a center cut-out to showcase the jam later.
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Bake Biscuits: Place the biscuits on the prepared trays and bake for 15 minutes until they are firm but not browned. Allow them to cool on wire racks for at least 30 minutes.
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Assemble Treats: Spread a generous layer of jam on the flat side of the whole biscuits, then delicately top with the sugared cut-out biscuits. Press gently to secure.
Optional: Dust with icing sugar for an extra festive touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing it and refrigerating it, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Additionally, you can bake the cookies without the jam up to 24 hours ahead of serving, allowing for easy assembly. To maintain their delightful texture, make sure they are completely cooled before storing in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply spread your chosen jam on the flat side of the base biscuits and top with the cut-out pieces, bringing these sweet treats together in mere minutes for a stress-free holiday delight!
Storage Tips for Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week; this keeps them fresh and flavorful.
- Freezer: Freeze the biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months; such convenience allows you to enjoy your festive treats later!
- Thawing: To enjoy frozen biscuits, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour, then add jam just before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm biscuits, reheat in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 5-8 minutes, ensuring they stay soft and delicious without overbaking.
What to Serve with Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits?
These delightful treats are the perfect addition to your holiday gatherings and family traditions.
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Hot Chocolate: The creamy, rich flavors of hot chocolate perfectly complement the sweet, fruity center of the biscuits, creating a cozy pairing. Imagine curling up by the fire with a warm mug in one hand and a buttery biscuit in the other—pure bliss!
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Mulled Wine: A spice-infused glass of mulled wine adds warmth and a festive touch, enhancing the seasonal experience. The contact between the aromatic spices in the wine and the sweet jam will tantalize your taste buds this holiday.
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Coffee: A fresh cup of coffee offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the biscuits, providing a perfect pick-me-up during holiday festivities. Consider pairing with a flavored brew, like hazelnut or vanilla, to elevate the experience even more.
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Fruit Salad: Serve a refreshing fruit salad on the side for a light, zesty contrast that cuts the richness of the cookies. Citrus fruits like oranges or kiwis add a tangy zing, making your dessert plate feel vibrant and festive.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream nestled next to a warm biscuit provides a delicious contrast in temperature and texture. The ice cream serves to soften and balance the crisp exterior, an indulgent treat your guests will love.
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Cheese Platter: Invite some sharp or mild cheeses to accompany the sweetness of your biscuits. The combination of flavors will surprise the palate and add an element of sophistication to your holiday spread.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in a spiced chai latte will enhance the fruity jam flavors beautifully. Sipping on this warm beverage while enjoying a biscuit will transport you to a festive wonderland.
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Shortbread Fingers: Serve alongside buttery shortbread fingers for a delightful texture contrast. The crumbly and rich shortbread pairs well with the sweetness of the jam-filled biscuits for a dreamy dessert experience.
Expert Tips for Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits
- Chill Dough: Always chill the dough for 25 minutes; skipping this step will lead to spread-out biscuits instead of perfectly shaped ones.
- Jam Quantity: Use only half a teaspoon of jam per biscuit to avoid overflow during baking. Too much filling can lead to mess and frustration!
- Gentle Rolling: When rolling out the dough, use a light hand; pressing too hard can make the biscuits tough rather than tender.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your biscuits as they bake; overbaking can result in a loss of that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture associated with these Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits.
- Cool Completely: Ensure biscuits are fully cooled before icing them with powdered sugar to maintain a lovely finish and prevent melting.
Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits Variations
Customize these delightful biscuits to suit your taste buds and elevate your holiday baking experience!
- Berry Bliss: Swap traditional jams for mixed berry or blueberry jam for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Spiced Delight: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor that complements any jam.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Surprise: Use chocolate hazelnut spread instead of jam for a decadent, gooey filling that will satisfy chocolate lovers.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions while maintaining that tender texture.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange into the dough to add a refreshing citrus note that brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Chili Jam: For a unique kick, try a chili pepper jam to introduce a spicy-sweet element that your guests won’t forget!
- Different Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, making your biscuits not only tasty but also visually appealing for any holiday celebration.
Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits Recipe FAQs
What kind of jam should I use for these biscuits?
You can use any kind of jam you like! Popular choices include strawberry, apricot, raspberry, or even cherry. Just ensure the jam is smooth and free from large chunks to fill the biscuits properly without causing breaks.
How should I store the Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits?
Store these delicious biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, don’t worry; they freeze wonderfully!
Can I freeze the biscuits for later use?
Absolutely! After baking, allow the biscuits to cool completely. Then, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before adding jam.
What should I do if my biscuits spread too much while baking?
If your biscuits spread during baking, it’s usually due to the dough not being chilled properly. Make sure to chill the dough for the full 25 minutes before rolling it out. If you encounter this issue often, consider refrigerating the cut-out biscuits for an extra 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure they hold their shape.
Can I use gluten-free flour in the Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just ensure the blend you choose includes an appropriate mix of starches and proteins to maintain the texture you desire.
Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits: Sweet Holiday Delight Made Simple
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sift and gently fold in the all-purpose flour and rice flour (or cornstarch) until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 25 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc between two sheets of baking paper to about 4mm thickness. Cut out 12 biscuits.
- Roll the second disc and cut out shapes with a center cut-out.
- Place biscuits on prepared trays and bake for 15 minutes until firm. Cool on wire racks for at least 30 minutes.
- Spread jam on the flat side of the whole biscuits, then top with the cut-out biscuits.
- Dust with icing sugar if desired before serving.