Orange Glazed – Jam Melt-a-way Cookies

Christmas . . . that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it’s like a fragrance!                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agusta E. Rundel
 
 
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 ahhhh . . . one of my favorite Holiday Cookies.
 
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It’s Christmas Eve!

I would feel really sad,

if . . .

I didn’t get the chance to wish you all . . . a  VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and good cheer for the new year!

It certainly seems that this baking blog has seen a “drought” as of lately. Christmas is my favorite time of the year.  It’s hectic, with a lot of hustle bustle, baking, shopping, errands, programs, wrapping, gifting, stressing, the never-ending cough . . .  but there is always a sweet spirit that dwells in the brisk cold air. I love it.

KT0C7306wI would also feel really bad,

if . . .

I didn’t make sure, that you all realize how  . . . THANKFUL  I am . . . for all of you who visit and read this blog.  There are millions of baking blogs, and I’m very grateful for those of you who subscribed, pinned, Instagramed, Facebooked, or anything else that keeps us in touch!  Hopefully January 2014 will bring sunshine, peace of heart and a bit of rest for all of us.

Jam Melt -a- Way Cookies, Snowballs and Chocolate Glazed Snicker Cookies made there way to my neighbors doors this year.  They all have a little bit of that “Magic of Christmas” sweetness, that you want to gift along.  I

If you’re wondering why I’m posting on Christmas Eve, of all nights . . . it’s because we had our “sweet” Family party on Sunday night. We fed 20 19 people, and it was noisy, happy and a lot of crazy fun!!!

FYI:  UPS drivers have to drive on Sunday.  No fair!

It seems to be our tradition, that we cook a 25 lb. Prime Rib Roast, Fry Shrimp, Creamy Cheesy Potatoes, Spinach Salad, Fruit & Dip, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Chili Cheese Dip & Chips, Hot rolls and a lot more family favorite sides.  Let’s not forget dessert.  We always have Eclairs.  We also had Cookies, Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn, Cinnamon Sugared Almonds, Dipped Peanut Butter Balls, Homemade Caramels and on and on and on.

I’ve decided that the trick to not over-eating at Christmas time, is to bake, cook, bake, cook, bake, cook, bake, cook, bake . . . dishes, dishes, dishes, . . . You’re just too tired to eat.  (almost)

I wish that I had been able to post this sweet little cookie recipe earlier . . . better late than never!  New Years Eve is just around the bend, and possibly you can bake a cookie sheet for friends & neighbors then.

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Orange Glazed Jam Melt-a-way Cookies

Orange Glazed – Jam filled Shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth!

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cookie:
  • 1 cup butter at room temperature (do not melt)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. almond extract (opt)
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • Thick jam or jelly
  • For the Glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar + additional for top of cookies
  • 4 Tbsp Orange juice or evaporated milk * may add additional for desired consistency
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla & Almond extracts and beat again.
  2. Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
  3. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour, or place in freezer for 30 min.
  4. Roll dough into about 48 balls. I used the smallest cookie scoop.
  5. Place on parchment paper or silpat lined baking sheets. Press thumb in center of each cookie to make a small indentation. (You can press it down again slightly after the cookie comes out of the oven as well)
  6. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until just lightly browned on the edges. Do not over bake! (Press down centers again if needed, while cookie is hot – for the jam.)
  7. Cool completely on parchment paper.
  8. Fill centers with a bit of jelly or jam. (Strawberry, Raspberry, Apricot, Peach, etc.
  9. Prepare the glaze:
  10. In a medium bowl measure 2 cups of powdered sugar. Add four tablespoons of freshly squeezed Orange juice, vanilla and mix well with a fork or electric mixer until nice and smooth.
  11. * You can substitute the Orange juice with evaporated Milk or use 2 tablespoons of o.j. and 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk as well.
  12. I pour my glaze into a squeeze bottle for easier drizzling.You could put the Glaze into a baggie, and snip off a tiny corner as well, or just use a fork with a back or forth motion.
  13. Sprinkle a tiny bit of Powdered sugar over the top if desired.