Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and delightfully eye-catching, you’ll fall in love with these Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki). Tender, buttery cookies sandwich a sparkle of vibrant jam, dusted delicately with powdered sugar for a finish worthy of any bakery window. Every bite is a playful balance of melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and sweet, tangy fruit—perfect for afternoon tea or a holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re baking up a storm for friends or looking for a charming new weekend baking project, Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) promise to bring smiles and a sweet taste of simple luxury to your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients—they’re probably already waiting for you in your pantry or fridge! Each classic staple plays an important role in the cookie’s texture, flavor, and signature look, so don’t skimp on using the good stuff.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies, providing structure and a wonderfully tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s room temperature; this gives the cookies their irresistible melt-away texture and rich flavor.
• Large eggs: Room temp eggs help the dough come together smoothly and add just the right touch of richness.
• Granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness and that classic cookie crispness.
• Baking soda: This leavening agent keeps the cookies light and just the tiniest bit puffy.
• White vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for an airy lift while disappearing without a trace in the flavor.
• Liquid honey: Adds a subtle depth and softness to the dough, making every bite extra special.
• Your favorite jam or thick preserves (lingonberry recommended): The bright, fruity center—choose something tart and thick enough to hold its shape.
• Powdered sugar: For that beautiful, snowy finish that makes these cookies festive and utterly irresistible.

How to Make Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki)

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little detail will make sure your cookies bake evenly and lift off without a fuss. Set this aside for now—you won’t need it until you’re shaping your cookies, but it’s always great to be prepped ahead!

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crumb Base

In your largest mixing bowl, combine the flour and softened butter. Now, channel your inner pastry chef—use your hands to rub the butter right into the flour. The warmth of your hands gently coaxes the two together until you’re left with fine, sandy crumbs. This not only creates the best delicate texture, but also avoids overworking the dough.

Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to thoroughly beat together the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes. Watch the mixture transform into a pale yellow, smooth ribbon. This step infuses the dough with a lightness and ensures every cookie is sweet, but never cloying.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Gently fold the whipped egg and sugar mixture into the flour-butter crumbs using a spatula. Work slowly here; you want everything just combined, without over-mixing, for the most tender cookies.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Honey

In a small dish, mix the baking soda and white vinegar. Expect a little fizz—this is the secret to the cookies’ subtle lift. Add this bubbly concoction to your dough, along with the honey. Stir well until it forms a single, smooth, cohesive mass. Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes (this makes it blissfully easy to roll out).

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Now’s your time to preheat the oven to 350°F. Divide the dough into four equal pieces, keeping the unused portions covered. Generously flour your surface and roll out one portion to about 1/8-inch thick. Using your favorite cookie cutter (a fluted round is classic for Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki)), cut as many shapes as you can. Remember to re-roll any scraps so not a bit of dough goes to waste!

Step 7: Create the Peekaboo Windows

For half of your cookies, use a small round cutter (about 1/3 inch) to poke a little hole in the center. This “window” shrinks as the cookies bake, so don’t be shy—make it a tad bigger than you think you need.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye. Once the tops turn lightly golden, take them out—better to be a bit pale than overly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before assembling.

Step 9: Fill and Sandwich the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, spread your thick, luscious jam on the flat side of a whole cookie (no hole). Top it with a cookie that has a hole and press lightly around the edges to seal in that gorgeous jam.

Step 10: Dust and Serve

To finish, dip both sides of each sandwich cookie in powdered sugar. This adds just the right hint of sweetness and makes your Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) sparkle invitingly on any serving platter.

How to Serve Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki)

Garnishes

A snowy dusting of powdered sugar is classic and always pretty, but you can take it up a notch with a little citrus zest or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch. For a summertime spin, top with a tiny bit of finely chopped fresh mint. Garnishes add that little wow-factor and make these cookies feel all your own!

Side Dishes

Pair Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) with a pot of your favorite black or green tea, or serve with a mug of rich cocoa for cold evenings. On a dessert board, they work beautifully alongside fresh berries, tangy cheeses, and crisp ladyfingers for an eye-catching, festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the finished cookies in a tall glass jar for a cheerful, giftable treat, or arrange them in neat rows inside a colorful tin lined with parchment. If you’re hosting an event, set the cookies in tiers on a cake stand and scatter a few extra pieces of fruit or mint leaves for contrast. Personalizing each serving plate with a handwritten label or a little ribbon is also a sweet touch that never goes unnoticed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay beautifully tender for up to five days, and the flavors mellow together in the loveliest way. If it’s particularly warm or humid, pop them in the fridge to keep the jam fresh.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead of holiday baking or save some for a rainy day, these cookies freeze spectacularly. Layer with parchment between each tier in a freezer-safe box, seal tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When a craving strikes, let them thaw on the counter for an hour—you’d never know they weren’t freshly made.

Reheating

Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) don’t need reheating, but if you prefer the jam just a bit gooey, let cookies sit at room temperature or zap them for 10 seconds in the microwave. Be gentle—too much heat will melt the sugar topping.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam for the filling?

Absolutely! While lingonberry gives Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) their traditional tart pop, any thick, tangy jam—like raspberry, apricot, or blackcurrant—will taste wonderful. Just be sure it’s not too runny so your cookies set nicely.

What’s the secret to getting crumbly, tender cookies?

Rubbing the butter into the flour by hand and letting the dough rest are the two tricks for perfect texture. Don’t overwork the dough and always use room temperature ingredients. This is key for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come back to room temperature before rolling, so it’s easy to handle and shape.

How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting?

Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting them with powdered sugar. If you’re storing them for longer, re-dust just before serving for that perfect snowy finish!

Are Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) good for gifting?

They’re perfect for gifting! Their pretty look and rich, jammy flavor make them a top pick for cookie exchanges, parties, or care packages. Wrap in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or stack in a decorative tin for an extra-special touch.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) is more than just making cookies—it’s a generous sprinkle of joy you can share with anyone, anytime. Give this recipe a try, and let every sweet, jammy bite transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and laughter!

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