Jubilee Chicken Recipe: Classic, Flavorful & Easy

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we celebrate time-honored culinary traditions that connect families and generations through their cherished recipes. Today, we delve into the delightful world of Jubilee Jumbles, a treasured family cookie that embodies comfort, nostalgia, and timeless flavor. Originating from an older edition of the Betty Crocker Cookbook, these soft, cake-like cookies have become a staple at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and casual get-togethers alike. Their irresistibly tender crumb, rich buttery aroma, and sweet glaze make them a perennial favorite among both young and old. By recreating this beloved recipe from your Aunt’s treasured cookbook, you ensure that this delightful treat continues to bring joy and warmth to your loved ones, maintaining a culinary legacy that spans generations.

This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth exploration of every aspect of Jubilee Jumbles—from ingredient selection and preparation techniques to baking tips, storage solutions, and variations—making it an invaluable resource for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a nostalgic snack, this recipe will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to craft perfect Jubilee Jumbles every time. Dive in and discover the secrets to creating these soft, buttery, and irresistibly glazed cookies that will quickly become a household favorite.

Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Note: Additional chilling time is optional but recommended for easier handling, adding approximately 15 minutes to the total process.

Needed Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand or hand mixer (optional but recommended for ease)
• Rubber spatula or mixing spoon
• Plastic wrap or airtight cover
• Refrigerator (for chilling dough)
• Baking sheets (preferably half-sheet pans)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling racks
• Small saucepan
• Whisk or spoon (for glaze)
• Spatula or offset spatula (for spreading glaze)
• Cooling area (countertop or dedicated cooling rack)

Tags

Cookies, Dessert, Kid-Friendly, Easy, Soft Cookies, Family Favorite, Baking from Scratch, Traditional, Nostalgic, Glazed Cookies

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 54 Jubilee Jumbles, making it perfect for family gatherings, parties, or large cookie exchanges. Serving size per cookie is about one, but these delicate treats are often enjoyed more liberally due to their irresistible flavor and texture.

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate

This recipe is suitable for beginner bakers with some basic familiarity with cookie baking, but it also offers opportunities for seasoned bakers to refine techniques such as dough chilling and glaze preparation for perfect results.

Allergen Information

Note: For dairy-free or gluten-free adaptations, see Tips and Tricks below.

Dietary Preference

Contains dairy and eggs. Suitable for omnivorous diets. Not suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance without modifications.

Course

Dessert / Snack

Cuisine

American / Family-style baking

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparing the Cookie Dough

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring they are at room temperature where applicable. This will facilitate a smoother mixing process and better incorporation of ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Use a whisk or a fork to sift and mix these dry components thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.

In a separate medium bowl, measure out the sour cream, shortening, eggs, and vanilla extract. If your sour cream or eggs are refrigerated, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to prevent curdling and promote even mixing. Using a hand or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat these wet ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for developing a cohesive dough that will bake evenly and maintain its soft, cake-like texture.

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or stirring gently with a spatula. Continue until all ingredients are combined and a soft but manageable dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together well. If the dough appears too soft or sticky to handle comfortably, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 15 minutes. Chilling will firm up the dough, making it easier to portion and shape.

2. Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is an optional but highly recommended step. It enhances the dough’s workability, prevents spreading during baking, and improves the overall texture of the finished cookies. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel, ensuring the dough is sealed from air exposure. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or longer if you prefer a firmer dough. This step is especially beneficial if your kitchen is warm or if the dough feels overly soft.

3. Preheating the Oven and Preparing Baking Sheets

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper oven temperature is vital for achieving evenly baked cookies with the desired light golden edges. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. If you don’t have these, lightly grease the sheets with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside and prepare for dough portioning.

4. Portioning and Shaping the Cookies

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and give it a brief knead if necessary to redistribute any ingredients. Using a level tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough, ensuring each scoop is filled evenly for uniform baking. Roll each portion into a ball or gently flatten into a rounded mound and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

For a more uniform appearance, you can gently pat each dough ball into a flat disc or leave them rounded, depending on your preference. The cookies will spread during baking, so space them adequately. If desired, you can slightly flatten the tops with the back of a spoon or your fingers for a more consistent appearance and baking surface contact.

5. Baking the Jubilee Jumbles

Place the prepared baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. Keep an eye on the first batch to determine the ideal baking time for your oven, as oven temperatures can vary slightly. The cookies should remain soft to the touch and slightly puffy when removed from the oven.

Use a thin spatula or oven mitts to carefully transfer the hot baking sheets onto cooling racks. Allow the cookies to cool for at least 10 minutes, which helps them set and makes handling easier. Do not attempt to move the cookies immediately from the baking sheet while hot, as they are fragile and prone to breaking.

6. Preparing the Browned Butter Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over low heat. As it begins to melt, continue to cook, stirring gently, until the butter turns a rich golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be vigilant during this process, as butter can burn quickly once it reaches the browned stage. Once browned, remove the saucepan from heat immediately.

In a mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar with vanilla extract. Gradually add hot water, starting with 2 tablespoons, and whisk until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable. If it’s too thick, add more hot water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The glaze should be easy to spread but not runny.

7. Glazing the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a spoon, spatula, or pastry brush to generously spread the browned butter glaze over each cookie. Work quickly to prevent the glaze from setting before you finish glazing all the cookies. The glaze adds a rich, buttery sweetness and a shiny finish that enhances the visual appeal and flavor profile of the Jubilee Jumbles.

Allow the glazed cookies to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to let the glaze set and harden slightly. For a more pronounced glaze, repeat the glazing process once the first layer has dried. This step can be customized based on preference for thickness and sweetness.

Preparation Tips

• Ingredient quality: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies, while full-fat sour cream adds richness and moisture.
• Dough consistency: The dough should be soft but manageable. If it’s too sticky, refrigeration helps; if too dry, a splash of additional sour cream or milk can be incorporated carefully.
• Chilling: Don’t skip chilling if your dough is very soft. It makes shaping easier and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Oven calibration: Oven temperatures vary; use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for perfect cookies.
• Glaze application: Use a gentle hand when spreading the glaze to avoid disturbing the cookie’s surface or creating uneven coating.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Tips and Tricks

• Flavor variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor. Incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruit into the dough for added texture.
• Color and appearance: For a more festive look, sprinkle colored sugar or mini sprinkles on the glaze before it sets.
• Glaze consistency: If the glaze becomes too thick, add additional hot water sparingly. For a glossy finish, add a teaspoon of corn syrup or honey to the glaze mixture.
• Storage: Store unglazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Glazed cookies can be kept for 1-2 days but are best enjoyed fresh for the optimal glaze shine.

Add-ons and Variations

• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed cookies for a decadent twist.
• Cream cheese frosting: Replace the glaze with a cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor profile.
• Fruit preserves: Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves or jam underneath the glaze for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Complement these cookies with fresh fruit, a glass of cold milk, or a warm beverage such as tea or coffee. For a more elaborate dessert platter, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast.

Improvements and Customizations

• Healthier options: Use coconut oil instead of shortening, or substitute almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour to increase fiber content.
• Vegan adjustments: Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel and use plant-based margarine or coconut oil. For the glaze, substitute dairy with coconut milk or almond milk and ensure confectioners’ sugar is vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour, adjusting the liquid ingredients as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

Save and Store

Store unglazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing or serving. To keep the glaze fresh, apply it just before serving rather than storing glazed cookies for extended periods.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared, wrapped tightly, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows flavors to meld and makes baking more convenient.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Portion the dough into individual balls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute equal parts of Greek yogurt or buttermilk for sour cream to maintain moisture and richness.

Can I omit the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own. The glaze adds sweetness and shine, but they are perfectly enjoyable without it.

Conclusion

Recreating Jubilee Jumbles from your family’s treasured cookbook not only preserves a beloved tradition but also offers a delightful baking experience filled with rich aromas, tender textures, and nostalgic flavors. Their soft, cake-like crumb, complemented by a buttery glaze, makes these cookies a versatile treat suitable for any occasion—from casual afternoons to festive celebrations.

By understanding each step, from ingredient selection to baking and glazing techniques, you can produce consistently perfect Jubilee Jumbles that will impress family and friends alike. Remember, baking is as much about love and care as it is about ingredients, and these cookies are a beautiful testament to that philosophy. Embrace the process, enjoy the aroma, and savor the joy of sharing these timeless treats, knowing that you’re continuing a cherished culinary legacy. Happy baking!

References

Original recipe adapted from Betty Crocker Cookbook, 1970s edition. For more nostalgic recipes and baking tips, visit Love With Recipes.