These New England Jam Cookies are near and dear to my heart.

This delicious, buttery shortbread cookie with a dollop of jam was a staple recipe of my mom’s best friend, Rosa.

I should probably write a separate blog, or novel, about how special Rosa was. She and my mom were teachers together in California.

Rosa was one of the most creative, funny, kind-hearted, loving people I’ve ever known.

I could never thank her enough for her friendship with my mom.

She was my mother’s confidant, support system, stress reliever, and walking buddy. She was a true light in this world until cancer took her away.

I’ve often said that food is love and I can tell you the love of Rosa is in every single bite of these New England Jam Cookies.

I can remember her dropping off baggies of these cookies at our home and the excitement that came as you were about to take that first bite.

It makes me want to go whip up a batch of these right now!

I hope you enjoy this special and delicious cookie recipe. And don’t skimp on the jam.

Buy one of the better brands (I’m a fan of Sarabeth’s and Stonewall Kitchen). Believe me. It’s worth it.

New England Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Yield: 1 dozen

New England Jam Cookies

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

These New England Jam Cookies are near and dear to my heart.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup flour
  • Crushed nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 jar fruit jam (raspberry is my favorite, but strawberry and blackberry are delish too! )

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar...mix well.
  3. Fold in egg yolk.
  4. Slowly add in flour in small amounts until mixed in. .
  5. Pinch off pieces of dough and roll it into balls about the size of a walnut. Roll the balls in the egg white and then in crushed nuts.
  6. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 5 minutes.
  7. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and using the back of a teaspoon, immediately make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill the centers with jam.
  8. Put the cookies back in the oven for approximately 10 more minutes.
  9. Cool slightly before removing from the pan.

These New England Jam Cookies are a wonderful addition to your holiday cookie platter. If you’re looking for some more cookie ideas, be sure to check out my easy 3 ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe and my brownie chip cookie recipe.

If you’re a cookie lover, you’ve come to the right place!

From my kitchen to yours,

Jill

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