Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits | Sweet Holiday Treats

The smell of butter and sugar filling the kitchen always reminds me of December afternoons spent baking with my little cousins. These Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits sparkle like tiny ornaments golden shortbread filled with glistening jam centers. They’re cheerful, crumbly, and perfect for gifting or sharing over a cozy cup of tea. Best of all, they’re simple enough for kids to help shape and fill.

Why You’ll Love These Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits

These biscuits blend buttery shortbread with fruity jam, offering a nostalgic flavor that feels like Christmas in every bite. Their delicate texture melts in your mouth, while the jewel-toned centers add a festive touch. They’re easy to make ahead, freeze beautifully, and look stunning in cookie boxes or on dessert trays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 250 g unsalted butter, softened – adds richness and that classic shortbread crumb.
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted) – for a soft sweetness.
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract) – deepens the aroma.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – gives structure.
• 1/3 cup rice flour or corn starch – ensures a tender, melt-in-mouth bite.
• 1/4 cup apricot jam
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam
• Extra confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Substitutions: Use margarine for a lighter flavor, or swap vanilla for almond extract (use half the amount). Plain flour can replace rice flour, though biscuits may be less tender.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits

Step 1 – Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

Beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until pale and fluffy. This step builds the dough’s airy base, helping the biscuits stay light and crumbly.

Step 2 – Add the Flours and Chill the Dough

Sift both flours over the creamed butter mixture. Stir until just combined. Knead lightly, divide into two discs, wrap, and chill for 25 minutes. Chilling keeps the dough firm and prevents spreading in the oven.

Step 3 – Roll, Cut, and Prepare the Biscuits

Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Roll each dough disc between baking paper sheets to about 4mm thick. Cut 12 rounds using a 7cm fluted cutter for the bases. For the tops, cut matching rounds and remove a small star from each center. Even thickness ensures even baking.

Step 4 – Bake Until Lightly Golden

Place biscuits on lined trays and bake for 15 minutes, or until firm and just golden around the edges. Cool completely on wire racks before assembling, so the jam and sugar won’t melt.

Step 5 – Assemble with Jam and Dust with Sugar

Spread about 2 teaspoons of jam on each base biscuit, almost to the edges. Dust the star-cut tops with confectioners’ sugar, then gently press them onto the jam-covered bases. The jam will peek through like tiny stained glass windows.

Helpful Baking Tips

Don’t overfill with jam just half a teaspoon per biscuit is enough. Always chill dough before baking to maintain shape. Avoid twisting cutters to keep the edges neat. Dust only cooled biscuits to prevent sugar melting. Smooth, good-quality jam works best for shine and flavor.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

Store these biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, layering with parchment to prevent sticking. Freeze assembled biscuits for up to three months or freeze unfilled ones and add jam later. The dough can also be made 1–2 days ahead and refrigerated until needed.

Jam Flavors and Variations

Classic strawberry and apricot jams are timeless, but raspberry, cherry, or even orange marmalade add lovely festive color and tang. Choose smooth jam to prevent overflow and achieve those crisp, defined centers.

Serving Ideas

Serve these with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or coffee during family gatherings. They also shine on dessert platters beside classic chocolate crinkle cookies for holiday cookie exchanges or peppermint bark brownies for a festive dessert spread. Pack them in cellophane and ribbon for charming edible gifts.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the chill step can cause spreading. Overfilling with jam leads to leaks, while dusting warm biscuits melts the sugar. If biscuits spread, reduce oven heat slightly or chill the dough longer before baking.

Recipe Timing and Difficulty

• Prep time: 30–45 minutes
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: 45–65 minutes
• Difficulty: Medium
  Perfect for home bakers ready for a little Christmas kitchen magic.

Nutritional Overview

Each batch yields about 12 sandwich biscuits, totaling 3850–4100 calories. Expect 25–30 g protein, 210–230 g fat, and 480–520 g carbohydrates. These treats are indulgent, so savor them in balance—holidays are for joy, not counting.

More Such Recipes

• soft pumpkin snickerdoodles with a holiday twist
• chewy pumpkin cookies for your Christmas baking tray
• chocolate thumbprint cookies perfect for gifting
• patriotic sugar cookie bars with festive sprinkles
• easy no-bake cookies for a quick Christmas treat

FAQs

Conclusion

These Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits bring warmth, color, and sweetness to every celebration. Each bite feels like a little holiday memory wrapped in buttery shortbread and fruity jam. Bake a batch, share them freely, and let your kitchen fill with Christmas joy. For more baking inspiration, follow along on Pinterest or join our cozy community on Facebook.

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