Craving a delightful and nostalgic treat that combines the rich, buttery goodness of cookies with the sweet, fruity burst of jam? Look no further than homemade Jammie Dodgers! These classic British biscuits, featuring a luscious jam filling sandwiched between two perfectly baked cookies, are a timeless favorite. Whether you're planning to enjoy them with a cup of tea or serve them at a special gathering, our comprehensive guide will help you create the perfect batch of Jammie Dodgers. Keep reading to discover the secrets to making these irresistible treats from scratch!

What are Jammie Dodgers?
Jammie Dodgers are a traditional British biscuit consisting of two layers of shortbread-like cookies with a sweet jam filling in the middle. The top cookie often features a small, decorative cut-out, allowing the vibrant jam to peek through. Originally produced by Burton's Biscuit Company, these delightful treats have become a beloved staple in British households. With our homemade recipe, you can recreate the magic of Jammie Dodgers in your own kitchen, customizing them to your taste preferences.
Ingredients List for Homemade Jammie Dodgers
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup strawberry jam or raspberry jam
Substitutions and Variations
Creating your own Jammie Dodgers means you can get creative with substitutions and variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based butter and replace the egg yolks with a vegan egg substitute.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different jam flavors such as apricot, blueberry, or blackcurrant. You can also try adding a hint of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Healthier Option: Opt for reduced-sugar or no-sugar-added jams and consider using a sugar substitute in the dough.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Homemade Jammie Dodgers: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolks (and vanilla extract, if using) to the mixture. Mix until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it forms a cohesive dough.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Use a smaller cutter to create a cut-out in the center of half of the cookies (these will be the tops).
- Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the Jammie Dodgers:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dust the tops (the cookies with the cut-out centers) with powdered sugar.
- Spread a small amount of jam on the bottom cookies (the ones without the cut-out centers), leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the jam from oozing out.
- Gently press the tops onto the bottom cookies, creating a sandwich with the jam filling in the middle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Dough: Be careful not to overmix or overwork the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.
- Using Too Much Jam: While it's tempting to add a generous amount of jam, too much can cause the cookies to become messy and difficult to handle. A thin layer is sufficient.
- Baking Time: Keep a close watch on the cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but not overly browned.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Homemade Jammie Dodgers
Jammie Dodgers are perfect for a variety of occasions, from afternoon tea parties to holiday gatherings. Here are some serving ideas to make them even more enjoyable:
- Tea Time: Serve your Jammie Dodgers with a pot of freshly brewed tea for a classic British experience.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift that's sure to impress.
- Party Platter: Arrange them on a platter alongside other cookies and treats for a delightful dessert spread.
Presentation Ideas for Homemade Jammie Dodgers
Presentation can make your homemade Jammie Dodgers even more appealing. Here are some creative ideas:
- Festive Shapes: Use cookie cutters in different shapes to match the theme of your event (e.g., hearts for Valentine's Day, stars for Christmas).
- Colored Sugar Dusting: Dust the tops with colored powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Decorative Ribbons: Tie a ribbon around a stack of Jammie Dodgers for an elegant presentation.
Homemade Jammie Dodgers Recipe Tips
- Uniform Cookies: For even baking, ensure your cookies are of uniform thickness and size.
- Storage: Store Jammie Dodgers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled cookies for up to three months.
- Making Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use homemade jam for the filling? A: Absolutely! Homemade jam can add a unique and personal touch to your Jammie Dodgers. Just make sure it's thick enough to hold up between the cookies.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to a month.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? A: Chilling the dough before baking and ensuring the butter is cold when you start will help prevent excessive spreading.
Q: Can I use other fillings besides jam? A: Certainly! You can experiment with different fillings like lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or even a nut butter.
Q: How do I keep the cookies fresh? A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them.
Conclusion
Homemade Jammie Dodgers are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery texture of cookies with the sweet, fruity burst of jam. With this comprehensive guide, you can recreate these classic British biscuits in your own kitchen, customizing them to your taste. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, these homemade Jammie Dodgers are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Jammie Dodgers!
PrintHomemade Jammie Dodgers Recipe
Learn how to make the classic British treat, homemade Jammie Dodgers, with our easy recipe. Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and a choice of strawberry or raspberry jam. Follow simple instructions for a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cubed
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Filling:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup strawberry jam or raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter and rub into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add egg yolks (and vanilla extract, if using) and mix to form a dough.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut out cookies using a round cutter and cut a smaller shape out of the center of half of the cookies.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Cool cookies completely before dusting the tops with powdered sugar.
- Spread jam on the whole cookies and sandwich with the cut-out cookies.
Notes
- For best results, use cold butter.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before adding jam to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Leave a Reply