Jam Squares

This is a remarkably versatile cookie dough recipe which was my Mum’s – every time I make it I still see her hands carefully pressing the dough into a baking pan. All our family members were brought up on these cookies, which may be a recommendation. Or not.

ingredients

4 oz margarine/butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
Pinch salt
Filling: Jam, lemon curd, marmalade, fruit mincemeat – endless possibilities…

directions

1
Set oven to 350⁰
2
Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla essence and a tablespoon of the flour (to prevent the egg from curdling). Mix well, then sift in the flour, baking powder and salt.
3
The dough will be fairly stiff, add a drop or two of milk to bind if necessary.
4
Press 2/3 of the dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet (it will only over about 2/3 of a standard sized sheet).
5
Spread the jam of your choice (damson plum is our favorite, and apricot a close second) over the dough – don’t go to close to the edges because the jam will spread and scorch. I have also used lemon curd, marmalade and, at Christmas time, fruit mincemeat as fillings.
6
Grate the remaining 1/3 dough over the top.
7
Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly, cut into squares and cool completely on a rack before putting them in a container –if they last that long. Mine are usually eaten right off the cooling rack, but then that’s the family I mentioned. These also make a delicious winter dessert warmed with custard.