Easy Jam Cookies Recipe – Maida & Custard Powder Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Jam Cookies Recipe – Maida & Custard Powder Delight

Introduction

Oh, these jam cookies! They’re a little slice of childhood for me. I remember making these with my nani (grandmother) during the holidays, the kitchen filled with the sweet scent of vanilla and jam. They’re unbelievably easy to make, and honestly, who can resist a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a burst of fruity jam? This recipe is perfect for beginners, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These jam cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re wonderfully versatile. They’re quick to whip up – perfect for an afternoon treat or a last-minute gift. The combination of maida (all-purpose flour) and custard powder gives them a unique, slightly crumbly texture that’s just divine. Plus, you can customize the jam flavor to your heart’s content!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies:

• 1 cup Maida/All purpose flour (approx. 120g)
• 1 cup Vanilla custard powder (approx. 80g)
• 4 tablespoons Corn flour (approx. 30g)
• 1 cup Butter (approx. 225g)
• 1 cup Powdered sugar (approx. 120g)
• 3 tablespoons Curd (Dahi) (approx. 45ml)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla essence (approx. 5ml)
• 2 tablespoons Jam (any kind) (approx. 30ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Maida/All Purpose Flour: Types & Uses

Maida is the star here, giving the cookies their structure. You can use regular all-purpose flour. Sifting the flour before using it will help create a lighter, more tender cookie.

Vanilla Custard Powder: What Makes it Special?

Don’t skip the custard powder! It adds a subtle vanilla flavor and contributes to that lovely, crumbly texture. It’s a secret ingredient my nani always used.

Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted & Temperature

I prefer using unsalted butter so I can control the salt level, but salted butter works too – just reduce any added salt in the recipe. The butter needs to be softened, almost to room temperature, for easy creaming with the sugar. Think easily pliable, not melted!

Curd (Dahi): Full Fat vs. Low Fat – Impact on Texture

Full-fat curd (yogurt) will give you the most tender cookies, but low-fat curd can be used in a pinch. Just be aware the texture might be slightly less rich.

Jam Variations: Regional & Seasonal Choices

This is where you can get creative! Strawberry, apricot, mango – any jam you love will work beautifully. My personal favorite is a tangy mixed berry jam, but my friend Priya swears by guava jam for a truly Indian twist.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s bake!

1. First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, soften the butter and beat it until it’s light and fluffy. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla essence, continuing to beat until everything is well combined.
3. Now, gently mix in the maida, custard powder, and corn flour. Add the curd and knead everything together into a smooth, soft dough. Don’t over-knead!
4. Lightly flour a clean, flat surface. Roll out the dough to about 5mm (¼ inch) thickness.
5. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. I love using flower shapes for a pretty look.
6. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with butter paper or aluminum foil. Using a bottle lid or your thumb, create a small indent in the center of each cookie.
7. Warm the jam slightly – just enough to make it a little looser. Don’t overheat it! Carefully fill each indent with about a teaspoon of jam.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a pale golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking tray before transferring them to an airtight container. This is the hardest part – resisting the urge to eat them all right away!

Expert Tips

• Don’t open the oven door frequently while baking, as this can cause the cookies to collapse.
• For perfectly even baking, rotate the baking tray halfway through.
• If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Jam Cookies

Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the curd with plant-based yogurt.

Gluten-Free Jam Cookies (Alternative Flours)

Replace the maida with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Cardamom or Nutmeg)

Add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor. My mom always adds a pinch of cardamom – it’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Christmas, Eid)

Use festive cookie cutters (stars, flowers, moons) and decorate with sprinkles or icing to match the occasion.

Serving Suggestions

These jam cookies are perfect with a cup of chai (tea) or a glass of cold milk. They also make a lovely addition to a festive platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to a month.

FAQs

What type of jam works best in these cookies?

Honestly, any jam you like! Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, and mango are all popular choices.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading during baking?

Make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can also help.

What is the role of custard powder in this recipe?

Custard powder adds a subtle vanilla flavor and creates a wonderfully crumbly texture. It’s a key ingredient!

Can I use ghee instead of butter?

Yes, you can! Ghee will give the cookies a slightly different, more traditional Indian flavor. Use the same quantity as butter.