If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, Dandy-Do Cookies are the perfect choice! These simple sandwich cookies feature buttery shortbread filled with sweet jam and coated in powdered sugar for a nostalgic dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120g) raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite flavor)
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (approximately 2 inches in diameter) to cut out cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter (like a star or heart) to cut out the center to create the top layer.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
- Spread a small amount of jam onto the flat side of each whole cookie (the bottom layer).
- Place a cookie with a cutout center on top, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
- Dust the tops of the cookies generously with powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Dandy-Do Cookies
- Keep It Cool: If the dough becomes too soft while working, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different jam flavors, such as apricot, blackberry, or even lemon curd.
- Uniform Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Afternoon Tea: Pair these cookies with a cup of tea for a delightful snack.
- Festive Treats: Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles for holidays and celebrations.
- Gift-Worthy: Pack them in decorative boxes or tins as a homemade gift.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unassembled cookies for up to 3 months. Assemble and dust with powdered sugar after thawing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes, you can use pre-made shortbread or sugar cookie dough for convenience, though homemade tastes best.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
A: Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Simply double the ingredient quantities and bake in batches as needed.
These Easy Homemade Dandy-Do Cookies are a timeless treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their buttery texture and sweet jam filling will keep you coming back for more. Bake a batch today and enjoy the simple pleasure of these delightful cookies!