Irresistible Strawberry Jam Cookie Squares for Festive Celebrations

Delicious Strawberry Jam Squares: A Festive Treat for Any Occasion

When the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the joy of baking to fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas, and these Strawberry Jam Squares are an absolute delight, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Their rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweet and tangy notes of strawberry jam makes them an irresistible treat. With just the right amount of sweetness, they are best enjoyed in small squares, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Recipe Overview

Keywords

Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, For Large Groups, Less than 4 Hours

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for ensuring your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden-brown finish.

2. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Take an 8×8-inch ungreased baking pan, which will serve as the perfect vessel for these delightful squares. Setting it aside now will save you time later.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, cream these two ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, helping to create a tender texture.

4. Incorporate the Egg Yolks: Beat in the 2 egg yolks one at a time, ensuring that they are fully integrated into the butter and sugar mixture. The egg yolks add richness and moisture, contributing to the overall deliciousness of the squares.

5. Add Flour and Nuts: Gradually stir in the 2 cups of unsifted flour and the 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Mixing these ingredients together until just combined will prevent overworking the dough, which could result in a tougher texture.

6. Form and Chill the Dough: Once everything is combined, form the dough into a ball and then cut it in half. Wrap one half tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to work with when you roll it out.

7. Pat Dough into the Pan: Take the first half of the dough and pat it evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8×8-inch pan. Ensure that the dough forms an even layer across the bottom, providing a solid base for your jam filling.

8. Spread the Strawberry Jam: Open your jar of strawberry jam and give it a good stir to soften it. Spread the 1 cup of jam evenly over the layer of dough in the pan, ensuring every bite will be bursting with fruity flavor.

9. Roll Out the Remaining Dough: Retrieve the remaining half of the dough from the freezer. Between two pieces of plastic wrap, roll out the dough into an 8×8-inch square. This method helps prevent the dough from sticking to your rolling pin or the counter.

10. Top the Jam with Dough: Carefully lay the rolled-out dough on top of the jam layer in the pan. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover the jam completely; just ensure that it’s spread out evenly for a consistent bake.

11. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. The delicious aroma of butter and strawberries will fill your kitchen as they bake.

12. Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the squares to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When ready to serve, cut them into small squares—about 6 sections each way to yield 36 cookies.

These Strawberry Jam Squares are a delightful addition to any holiday spread or a sweet treat to enjoy any day of the year. Their rich, buttery base paired with the sweet-tart strawberry jam creates a mouthwatering combination that is sure to please both family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, and watch them disappear!