If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, sweet treat that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your kitchen, then you absolutely have to try Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe. These buttery, tender bars filled with luscious apricot jam melt in your mouth and make every bite feel like a hug from home. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or craving a little homemade comfort, this delightful recipe offers simplicity and deliciousness all in one. Trust me, once you try Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of rich, buttery goodness and sweet, fruity filling. Using simple pantry staples, this recipe is approachable yet results in a treat that feels special and homemade.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the rich, tender texture that makes the bars melt in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the jam.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these bars their soft yet sturdy structure.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
- 1/2 cup apricot jam: The star of the show, providing a bright, fruity contrast to the buttery base.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty finishing touch and a light sweetness on top.
How to Make Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Getting this ready first keeps things moving smoothly once your dough is mixed.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, helping create that delicate, tender crumb we all love in these bars.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract, which infuses the dough with a gentle sweetness and aromatic warmth that complements the apricot jam perfectly.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir just until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep your bars tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Divide the dough evenly into two portions and roll each into a log about 10 to 12 inches long. Place your logs on the prepared baking sheet, then gently press a shallow groove down the center of each log with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This groove is where the luscious apricot jam will nestle.
Step 6: Add the Jam and Bake
Fill each groove generously with apricot jam, making sure you get a good layer of that sweet goodness. Bake the logs for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 7: Slice and Cool
Once out of the oven, let the logs cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes—this helps them firm up so you can slice without crumbling. Cut the logs diagonally into 1-inch slices while still warm, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a little extra charm, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is often best here. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe a lovely, delicate finish and that classic bakery look. For an extra touch, you could sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds or a few fresh apricot slices on top for both texture and color contrast.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for afternoon gatherings or breakfast treats. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a light yet indulgent option.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the slices on a pretty platter lined with edible flowers or colorful napkins. Try layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a decorative box for gifting. The golden apricot jam peeking through the buttery crust is always a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for parties or snacks. Just make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later on, freeze the logs (before slicing) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, slice and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feel, briefly warm the apricot jammies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This gently toasts the edges and reawakens the buttery aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the apricot jam with other flavors?
Absolutely! Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe is versatile and you can swap apricot jam with raspberry, strawberry, fig, or even mixed berry jams to suit your taste or use up what you have on hand.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While unsalted butter allows better control over the recipe’s saltiness, salted butter can work in a pinch. Just reduce or omit the additional salt to avoid making the cookie dough too salty.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking should work well. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly based on the blend used.
How long do Mom’s Apricot Jammies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is best to keep them tasting their best.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Chopped almonds, pecans, or even shredded coconut can be folded into the dough before shaping. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor dimension without overpowering the classic taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe. It’s like a little pocket of tradition baked into each buttery, jam-filled slice. Whether you’re sharing it over tea or enjoying a quiet moment with a sweet treat, this recipe brings joy to any table. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to desserts—you might even catch yourself making it again and again!
Print
Mom’s Apricot Jammies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mom’s Apricot Jammies are delicious buttery slice-and-bake cookies featuring a soft dough filled with sweet apricot jam. Perfect for holidays or tea time, these golden bars combine richness with a fruity center and a dusting of powdered sugar for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Garnish
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Ensure the dough is well combined but not overmixed.
- Shape Dough Logs: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 10 to 12 inches long and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Jam Groove: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a shallow groove down the center of each dough log. Fill the groove generously with apricot jam, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake: Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This ensures the cookies are baked through but still soft inside.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let the logs cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, cut them into 1-inch diagonal slices for the perfect cookie shape.
- Final Cooling and Optional Dusting: Transfer the sliced cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant finish.
Notes
- These slice-and-serve bars are perfect for holidays or tea time.
- Swap the apricot jam with raspberry, strawberry, or fig jam for variety.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up simpler.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
