Jam Squares are a delightful dessert that combines buttery pastry with a sweet, fruity jam filling, perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight treats to special gatherings. This recipe, originating from lovewithrecipes.com, promises a straightforward preparation process with a satisfying end result that’s sure to please both the baker and those lucky enough to enjoy these delicious squares.
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Jam Squares
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Weeknight, < 4 Hours, Easy
- Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies
Ingredients:
- Butter: 1/3 cup
- Low-fat cottage cheese: 1/2 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Fruit jam (your choice of flavor): 2/3 cup
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 34.3
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 5.4mg
- Sodium: 28mg
- Carbohydrates: 3.1g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0.9g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a food processor, combine the butter and low-fat cottage cheese until smooth.
-
Mix and Chill:
- Transfer the mixture into a medium bowl containing the flour. Stir until well combined to form a dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.
-
Preheat and Roll Out:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the chilled dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a 12″x12″ square.
-
Assemble the Squares:
- Cut each rolled-out square into 16 smaller squares, resulting in a total of 32 squares.
- Place a teaspoon of your favorite fruit jam in the center of each square.
-
Shape and Bake:
- Carefully pull the corners of each square over the jam filling, ensuring to seal the edges firmly.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange the filled squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the squares are lightly golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, allow the jam squares to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee!
Tips for Success:
- Choosing Jam: Use your favorite flavor of jam for the filling. Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jams work well.
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps firm up the butter and cottage cheese mixture, making it easier to roll out and handle.
- Sealing Edges: Ensure that you seal the edges of each square tightly to prevent the jam from leaking out during baking.
- Storage: Store any leftover jam squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion:
Jam Squares are a wonderful treat that combines simplicity with elegance, making them a perfect choice for both novice bakers and experienced chefs looking to create a delightful dessert. With their buttery, flaky pastry and sweet jam center, these squares are bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether served at a party, shared with friends, or enjoyed with family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and compliments. Explore the joy of baking and the satisfaction of creating something delicious with this easy-to-follow recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.