Sure, let’s delve into the delightful world of Bite-Size Jam Swirls! These charming swirls are not just your average cookie; they’re a festive addition to any Christmas cookie platter, bringing a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to your holiday spread.
🕒 Preparation Time: 4 hours
🕒 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
🥣 Ingredients:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of your favorite jam (such as raspberry or strawberry)
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
- Coarse sugar for rolling
📝 Instructions:
- Prep the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in the cream cheese and butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs and begins to cling together.
- Divide the dough in half. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
- Roll and Chill: On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough into a 1/4 inch thickness. Fold the dough in thirds, wrap in clear plastic wrap, and chill for 2 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: After chilling, roll each half of the dough into a 14×2 inch rectangle.
- Spread each half with jam, leaving about 1/2 inch of dough around the edges. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
- Roll and Slice: Beginning with the long side, roll up the dough jelly-roll style and seal the seam. Cut into 1/2 inch slices.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll one side of each cookie in coarse sugar, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the cookies, sugar side up, 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove from the cookie sheet and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
🍪 Yield: This recipe yields approximately 36 swirls, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
📝 Notes: While the prep time for these Bite-Size Jam Swirls may seem lengthy, the result is well worth the effort. The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled until you’re ready to bake, making it a convenient option for busy holiday schedules. Additionally, feel free to customize the jam filling to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer classic flavors like raspberry or adventurous combinations like apricot and almond. Happy baking!
