Jam-Filled Wreaths and Hearts
I make these beautiful wreath-shaped cookies with jewel-red centers every Christmas. The dusting of powdered sugar gives them a snowy look. My mother cut the recipe out of a newspaper some 30 years ago.
I make these beautiful wreath-shaped cookies with jewel-red centers every Christmas. The dusting of powdered sugar gives them a snowy look. My mother cut the recipe out of a newspaper some 30 years ago.
- Carbohydrate 5.70445961084944 g
- Cholesterol 40.5101388989823 mg
- Fat 7.71611150384254 g
- Fiber 1.04030168836912 g
- Protein 2.68899372208019 g
- Saturated Fat 3.40782866910071 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (30g)
- Sodium 1905.50533314671 mg
- Sugar 4.66415792248033 g
- Trans Fat 0.595578728047686 g
- Calories 100 calories
Step-by-step
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and allspice; add to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in oats and nuts; mix well.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
- On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness.
- Cut with a 2-1/2-in. round- or 2-in. heart-shaped cookie cutter.
- Using a 1-in. round- or heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the center of half of the cookies.
- Place solid and window cookies on lightly greased baking sheets.
- Bake at 400degrees for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool on wire racks.
- Spread 1 teaspoon jam over bottoms of solid cookies; top with window cookies.
- Dust with confectioners' sugar.
- Fill centers with additional jam if desired.
A Sweet Christmas Tradition: Jam-Filled Wreaths and Hearts
Christmas is a time of cherished traditions, and for me, nothing embodies the spirit of the holidays quite like baking. The aroma of warm spices, the gentle clinking of cookie cutters, the soft dusting of powdered sugar – these are the sensory memories that weave themselves into the fabric of my Christmases. This year, I’m sharing a recipe that's been passed down through generations, a recipe that's as much a part of our family’s history as the twinkling lights on our tree: Jam-Filled Wreaths and Hearts. This recipe isn’t just about creating beautiful cookies; it’s about creating memories, about sharing a piece of my heart (and a delicious cookie!) with those I love.
My mother first clipped this recipe from a newspaper some thirty years ago. I remember watching her, her hands moving with practiced ease, as she transformed simple ingredients into these delicate, jewel-toned works of art. The rich, ruby red jam contrasting against the snowy white powdered sugar – it was always a breathtaking sight. As a child, helping her with the baking was part of the magic of the season. The kitchen became a haven of warm laughter, flour-dusted aprons, and the sweet scent of cinnamon and allspice filling the air. These weren’t just cookies; they were the embodiment of family, tradition, and holiday cheer.
Years have passed, and my own children now gather around the kitchen table, their faces alight with anticipation as we embark on this annual baking ritual. The recipe remains unchanged, a testament to its timeless appeal. Each cookie, a tiny wreath or heart, carries with it the weight of memories, the warmth of family, and the enduring spirit of Christmas. The process itself is a meditation, a quiet moment amidst the holiday rush, where the rhythmic motion of rolling dough and the precise placement of cookie cutters become a form of mindfulness. It’s a time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with something far more meaningful: the simple joys of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
The best part? The taste. These cookies are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The buttery, slightly crisp cookies provide the perfect canvas for the sweet, tart burst of raspberry jam. The delicate dusting of powdered sugar adds a final touch of elegance, transforming these simple treats into something truly special. They're the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot cocoa or a mug of spiced cider on a cold winter's evening. And, of course, they're even better when shared with loved ones.
More than just a recipe, these jam-filled wreaths and hearts are a legacy, a symbol of continuity and connection across generations. They are a reminder that the most precious gifts aren’t wrapped in shiny paper but are baked with love, shared with laughter, and savored in the warmth of family and friends. This Christmas, I encourage you to try this recipe. Create your own Christmas memories, one delicious cookie at a time. Let the sweet aroma of cinnamon and allspice fill your home, and let the joy of baking bind your family together. The magic is in the making, and the memories are priceless.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch of these delightful treats. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
