Name: Delicious Jam Christmas Biscuits for Sweet Holiday Bliss
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (can substitute with vanilla extract); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup rice flour (or corn starch) (optional for texture); 1/2 teaspoon jam (strawberry or apricot) (adjust flavor as desired)

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As I watched my kitchen transform into a festive wonderland, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, igniting memories of joyous holiday celebrations. These Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits are not just another treat; they embody the warmth and cheer of the season, inviting everyone to gather and indulge. What I love about these jam-filled delights is how effortlessly simple they are to whip up—perfect for both seasoned bakers and those seeking a little culinary adventure. With their buttery softness and vibrant jam centers, they’re a crowd-pleaser that requires no special tools, making them an ideal choice for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress at a cookie exchange or simply want to share some homemade goodness with loved ones, these biscuits have you covered. Are you ready to create some merry memories in your kitchen?

Why Are These Jam Christmas Biscuits Special?

Simplicity at Its Best: These Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits are incredibly easy to make, requiring only basic baking skills and common ingredients.

Bursting with Flavor: The bright and fruity jam fillings contrast beautifully with the buttery biscuit, creating an irresistible bite that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges and gifting, these biscuits bring joy to any festive gathering.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for a stress-free baking experience on busy holiday days—merry memories are just a bake away!

Customize Your Experience: Experiment with different jam flavors for a unique twist each time—whether it’s classic strawberry or adventurous cherry, there’s no limit to your creativity! Enjoy these biscuits with your favorite hot beverages for a cozy holiday treat!

Jam Christmas Biscuits Ingredients

For the Biscuit Dough

Butter – Provides richness and flavor; use unsalted for better control over salt levels.
Confectioners’ Sugar – Adds sweetness and fine texture to the dough; can substitute with granulated sugar, though texture may vary.
Vanilla Bean Paste – Adds aromatic depth; can be replaced with vanilla extract if needed.
All-Purpose Flour – The essential structure for the biscuits; no substitutions are suggested for the best results.
Rice Flour (or Corn Starch) – Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; optional for allergy concerns, but can be adjusted with more all-purpose flour.

For the Jam Filling

Jam (Strawberry or Apricot) – Provides sweetness and color to the biscuit center; feel free to try different flavors like raspberry or cherry for your Jam Christmas Biscuits!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for ease. The mixture should be creamy and pale in color, signaling it’s ready for the next step.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of rice flour (or corn starch) into the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms, ensuring there are no dry pockets. You want the dough to be smooth and cohesive, which should take about 2–3 minutes of mixing.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc about 1 inch thick. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 25 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits.

Step 4: Preheat Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring an easy clean-up after baking. The oven should be fully preheated to help achieve a consistent baking temperature for your biscuits.

Step 5: Roll & Cut
After chilling, roll out one disc of dough between two sheets of baking paper to about 4 mm thick. Use a fluted round cutter to cut out biscuit shapes, and from half of these, use a smaller star or round cutter to create cut-outs in the center. This will allow the jam to peek through and add visual appeal to your Jam Christmas Biscuits.

Step 6: Bake
Transfer the cut-out biscuits to the prepared baking trays, spacing them about 2.5 cm apart. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the biscuits feel firm to the touch and have a very light golden color. Once done, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble
Once the biscuits are cool, take the full biscuits and place them upright on a serving platter. Spoon about half a teaspoon of your favorite jam, like strawberry or apricot, into the center of each biscuit. Sandwich them with the cut-out biscuits, dusting the tops with a light shower of icing sugar to finish off your beautiful Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits.

How to Store and Freeze Jam Christmas Biscuits

Airtight Container: Store your Jam Christmas Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and maintain their delightful texture.

Freezing: For longer storage, these biscuits can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or zipper bag, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, or reheat in the oven at a low temperature (160°C/320°F) for a few minutes to regain their softness. Enjoy the warmth!

Dough Storage: You can make the biscuit dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, making it convenient for quick baking during the busy holiday season.

What to Serve with Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits

These charming biscuits are not just a treat on their own; they beautifully complement a range of festive delights, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich, velvety drink adds a cozy touch, perfect for dipping your biscuits and enhancing their sweet flavors.
Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai contrast wonderfully with the sweet jam, creating a delightful blend that warms up any gathering.
Classic Eggnog: This creamy, spiced beverage pairs perfectly with the buttery softness of the biscuits, making for a nostalgic holiday experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet biscuits. This interplay of flavors will brighten up any holiday table.
Nutty Biscotti: Serve alongside these biscuits for a textural contrast; the crunch of the biscotti offers a lovely balance to the tender jam-filled delights.
Festive Cheese Platter: Include creamy brie or tangy blue cheese; their savory notes beautifully complement the sweetness of the jam biscuits, creating a sophisticated twist.
Gingerbread Cookies: For a full-on holiday spirit, pair with these spiced cookies. Their warmth and flavor harmonize with the festive nature of the jam biscuits.
Mulled Wine: The warm spices in mulled wine echo the flavors of the holidays and elevate the dessert experience when sharing with friends.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch pairs surprisingly well; it enhances the sweetness of the biscuits, providing a playful snack everyone will love.

Expert Tips for Jam Christmas Biscuits

Optimal Chilling: Don’t rush the chilling step; it’s essential to prevent the biscuits from spreading too much during baking, ensuring your Jam Christmas Biscuits hold their shape.
Jam Quantity: Use only half a teaspoon of jam for each biscuit to avoid overflow while baking. Too much jam can create messy results!
Cutting Technique: When cutting shapes, press straight down with your cutter. Twisting can seal the dough edges and affect rising, altering the texture of your Jam Christmas Biscuits.
Cooling Time: Allow biscuits to cool completely before dusting with icing sugar; this preserves the sugar’s appearance and prevents it from melting into the biscuits.
Flavor Exploration: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different jam flavors! Mixing flavor combinations can create delightful surprises for your Jam Christmas Biscuits that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Jam Christmas Biscuits are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 3 days in advance—just shape it into discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Additionally, you can bake the biscuits and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week without losing any flavor or texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the biscuits with jam and a dusting of icing sugar; they’ll be just as delicious as if they were freshly made. This way, you can enjoy stress-free holiday baking while sharing these delightful treats with family and friends!

Jam Christmas Biscuits Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor these delightful treats to suit your taste preferences this holiday season!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter for a creamy, dairy-free dough.
Gluten-Free: For gluten-sensitive friends and family, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour—just ensure it’s a reliable brand for best results.
Nutty Twist: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the fruitiness of the jam.
Spiced Up: Enhance the flavor by incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough, adding a warm, cozy note perfect for the season.
Chocolate Infusion: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-hazelnut vibe, transforming your biscuits into a decadent treat that pairs beautifully with fruity jams.
Jam Flavor Variations: Don’t stop at strawberry or apricot! Experiment with raspberry, cherry, or even pumpkin spice jam for a unique take on the classic.
Citrus Zest: Brighten up your cookies by adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough—it brings a refreshing zing that complements the sweetness of the jam.
Layered Goodness: Create a double-stuffed effect by layering two different types of jam between the biscuit halves for a colorful and flavorful surprise in each bite.

Embrace the joy of baking and feel free to explore these diverse options. Remember, the heart of cooking is about finding what sparkles for you and your loved ones. And if you’re looking for more sweet inspirations, try out these easy cookie recipes or add a warm drink like spiced hot chocolate to enjoy with your biscuits!

Jam Christmas Biscuits Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Unsalted butter is recommended for these Jam Christmas Biscuits, as it allows you to control the salt level better. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can still use it, but consider reducing any additional salt in the recipe for balance.

How should I store the finished biscuits?
To keep your Jam Christmas Biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This prevents them from becoming stale and maintains their delightful texture. If you plan on keeping them longer, freezing is a great option!

Can I freeze Jam Christmas Biscuits?
Very much so! These biscuits can be frozen for up to 3 months. To do this, layer them in a freezer-safe container or a zipper bag with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in a low oven (160°C/320°F) for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Why did my biscuits spread too much during baking?
If you find your Jam Christmas Biscuits spreading too much, it could be due to not chilling the dough sufficiently before baking. Chilling helps firm up the butter, yielding nicely shaped biscuits. Make sure to follow the chilling time of at least 25 minutes for best results!

Can these biscuits be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make gluten-free Jam Christmas Biscuits. If you go with this option, ensure your jam is also gluten-free, as some brands may have additives that contain gluten.

What jams work best for these biscuits?
You have a world of options! For a classic flavor, try strawberry or apricot jam. However, feel free to experiment with smoother jams like raspberry or cherry for a delightful twist. Mixing flavors can also add a beautiful variety to your biscuit tray!