If you have a sweet tooth and love a cookie that’s both charming and delicious, you’re going to adore this Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe. These delightful little sandwich cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with your favorite jam, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The tender cookie layers gently surround a generous dollop of jam, creating the kind of comfort cookie that feels homemade and lovingly crafted. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe brings that warm, inviting feeling straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, coming together to create a cookie that is crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and bursting with jammy flavor. Each component plays its part, from the rich butter to the zing of vinegar that lightens the dough, ensuring your Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe is the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- 3 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 2 sticks (16 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and contributes to a smooth, pale batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the jam’s flavor.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works with vinegar to gently leaven the dough, giving it a lightness that’s irresistible.
- 2 tsp white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for perfect texture and a subtle tang that cuts sweetness.
- 2 Tbsp liquid honey: Adds a hint of floral sweetness and moisture to the dough.
- 9 oz jar of your favorite jam or thick preserves: The star filling—choose a flavor like lingonberry for a tart contrast or any jam you adore.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For coating the finished cookie sandwiches in a snowy, sweet finish.
How to Make Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Oven
Start by lining a large cookie pan with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You’ll wait to preheat the oven until after mixing the dough ensures everything is ready right when the cookies go in.
Step 2: Craft the Perfect Dough Texture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour with the softened butter. Using your hands, rub the dough between your fingers until it reaches a sandy, crumbly texture. Getting your hands in there is wonderfully therapeutic and really helps make the dough just right, as recommended by Oksana.
Step 3: Whip the Egg and Sugar Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about five minutes until the mixture is pale yellow and silky smooth. This aerates the batter and balances the texture perfectly.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients and Activate the Dough
Pour the beaten egg and sugar mix over your crumbly dough and gently fold it in with a spatula. In a small ramekin, mix the baking soda and white vinegar until combined, then add this soda mixture along with honey to the dough. Stir everything together until the dough forms a cohesive mass, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. Once rested, preheat your oven to 350˚F.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Divide the dough into four pieces, rolling out one piece at a time on a generously floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Choose a cookie cutter shape you love; a fluted edge adds such a charming touch. Cut the dough into shapes and transfer carefully to your lined cookie pan. Gather leftover scraps and reincorporate them for no waste.
Step 6: Cut Out the Cookie Tops
Take half of your cut cookies and poke a hole in the center—using a straw works great. Make the hole larger than you think because it shrinks during baking. This hole is key for showcasing the jam filling and giving Zirochki their signature look.
Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake your cookies at 350˚F for about 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely so they don’t over-brown. The edges should be just turning golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Step 8: Assemble the Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe
Once cooled, spread your favorite jam generously on the solid cookie bases, then top each with the cookie that has the hole. Press them lightly together so the jam slightly peeks through the top. Finally, dip both sides of your cookie sandwiches in powdered sugar for that beautiful finishing touch that also adds a little extra sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra powdered sugar right before serving adds a fresh, snowy look that is both inviting and festive. You might also use finely chopped nuts or a zest of lemon over the powdered sugar for a subtle crunch and zing that pairs beautifully with the jam inside.
Side Dishes
Serve these cozy cookies alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. They also pair amazingly well with warm mulled wine or hot chocolate, perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Zirochki sandwiched cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board or in a pretty tin lined with parchment. For special occasions, arrange them in a circular pattern resembling a flower, with the jam-filled holes creating lovely colorful “petals.” These little touches make your homemade cookies feel like a real celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe is complete, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and the jam fresh, perfect if you want to savor them slowly or impress guests over the next few days.
Freezing
You can freeze unfilled cookie bases and tops separately by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, assemble with jam, and dust with powdered sugar.
Reheating
If you want to gently warm your assembled jam-filled cookies, pop them in a preheated 300˚F oven for about 5 minutes. This softens the jam slightly and refreshes the buttery crumb without melting the powdered sugar too much.
FAQs
What type of jam works best for Zirochki?
Use thick preserves or jams that aren’t too runny, such as lingonberry, raspberry, or apricot. Thicker jams hold their shape better when sandwiched and add that perfect burst of flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
While the original Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Just be aware that texture might vary slightly, so consider adding a binding agent for best results.
Is it necessary to use vinegar in the dough?
The vinegar reacts with baking soda to lighten the dough and add a subtle tang, balancing sweetness. Skipping it might affect the texture and flavor, but you can try substituting lemon juice if needed.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan?
Lining your cookie sheet with parchment paper is the easiest way to ensure they don’t stick, making removal and cleanup much simpler.
Can I replace the powdered sugar coating with something else?
Absolutely! You can dust the cookies with cocoa powder, cinnamon sugar, or even dip them in melted chocolate for a richer finish depending on your mood and occasion.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe a try because it’s such a joyful, heartwarming treat to make and share. The way the buttery cookies cradle sweet jam is pure comfort food magic. Plus, baking these cookies is an experience itself—a little hands-on love that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and anticipation. Trust me, these delightful sandwiches are bound to become a favorite in your home as they have in mine.
