Jam Drops Recipe: Easy, Nostalgic Biscuits Filled with Sweet Jam

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about jam drops those buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits with a sweet, glossy dollop of jam nestled in the center. Every time I bake jam drops, I’m transported back to warm, cozy kitchens filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of fresh baking. These timeless treats are beloved across generations, perfect for teatime, lunchboxes, or sharing as a simple homemade gift.

What Are Jam Drops?

Jam drops, sometimes called thumbprint cookies, are classic biscuits made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, with an indent filled with jam. Popular in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, they are simple yet elegant shortbread-style cookies. The jam acts as a sweet, fruity highlight that makes each bite special and visually appealing.

Common jam choices include raspberry, strawberry, and apricot, but experimenting with other flavors such as blueberry, plum, or even mixed berry jams can add unique twists. Some recipes even incorporate custard powder to slightly enrich the flavor.

Traditional thumbprint cookies filled with raspberry jam, representing the origins of this classic treat

Jam Drops Recipe: Easy, Nostalgic Biscuits Filled with Sweet Jam

Chef Joudia
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth jam drops bring pure nostalgia — golden biscuits filled with a glossy dollop of raspberry or strawberry jam. Perfect for teatime, lunchboxes, or a homemade gift, they’re simple, elegant, and deliciously comforting.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Australian, British
Servings 20 biscuits
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  • electric mixer
  • mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • baking trays
  • parchment paper or silicone mats
  • wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 125 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 2 cups self-raising flour)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (omit if using self-raising flour)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
  • 2 tbsp custard powder (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats.
    Jam drops biscuit dough with thumb pressing indentation for jam drops
  • Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 3–5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  • Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gently fold into the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
  • Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place on trays, spaced about 2 inches apart.
  • Press an indentation in each dough ball using your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon.
  • Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
  • Cool biscuits on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For richer flavor, mix in 2 tablespoons of custard powder. To make them gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. Chill dough 15 minutes before shaping to keep biscuits neat. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze dough for longer storage.
Keyword buttery biscuits, jam drops, raspberry jam biscuits, strawberry jam cookies, thumbprint cookies

Essential Ingredients for Classic Biscuits

  • 125 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour (or 2 cups self-raising flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (omit if using self-raising flour)
  • A pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup jam (raspberry or strawberry recommended)

Optional: Add 2 tablespoons custard powder for a richer texture or substitute with gluten-free flour to make gluten-free jam drops.

key ingredients for jam drops biscuits including butter, sugar, eggs, flour and raspberry jam
Essential baking ingredients for traditional jam drops biscuits

Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Making These Classic Biscuits

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract: Mix in the egg and vanilla until combined.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gently fold into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
  5. Shape the dough: Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place spaced about 2 inches apart on baking trays.
  6. Create jam wells: Use your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon to press an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
  7. Add jam: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
  8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until biscuits are lightly golden around the edges.
  9. Cool: Let the jam drops cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tip: Chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping to keep the jam drops from spreading too much.

Jam drops biscuit dough with thumb pressing indentation for jam drops
Creating jam wells in dough for jam drop biscuits

Delicious Twists on This Classic Biscuit

  • Jam drops with custard powder: Stir custard powder into the flour mix before combining with wet ingredients for a tender biscuit with a subtle custard flavor.
  • Thermomix jam drops: Combine all ingredients in the Thermomix bowl and mix on speed 4 for 20 seconds. Roll and bake as usual.
  • Gluten-free jam drops: Replace flour with a blend of 1½ cups gluten-free flour. Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla well before folding in gluten-free flour to avoid crumbling dough.
  • Coles-style jam drops: Use raspberry jam and press each biscuit gently with a fork for a rustic, store-bought look.

Nutrition Information per Jam Drop (Approximate)

NutrientAmount% Daily Value*
Calories1407%
Carbohydrates18 g6%
Protein1 g2%
Fat7 g11%
Saturated Fat4 g25%
Sodium75 mg3%
Fiber0.4 g2%
Sugar8 g9%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Jam drops look charming on a vintage tea tray or packed in a decorative tin as a homemade gift. Pair them with afternoon tea or coffee for the perfect indulgent snack. For an added touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or dip half of each biscuit in melted white chocolate before baking. This adds a festive twist while maintaining their classic charm.

They also make excellent additions to dessert platters at parties or casual family get-togethers, combining nostalgic flavor with beautiful presentation.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Jam drops are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for 5-7 days without losing their buttery texture. For longer storage, freezing is ideal:

  • Freeze raw dough: Roll dough into balls, lay on parchment-lined trays to freeze individually, then transfer to sealable bags. Thaw dough in the refrigerator for several hours before baking.
  • Freeze baked biscuits: Once cooled, place baked jam drops without jam on airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature.
  • Adding jam fresh after thawing preserves the best texture and flavor.

The Origins and Evolution of Thumbprint Cookies

Jam drops have their origins in British shortbread and thumbprint cookie traditions. Over centuries, they have become a cherished biscuit style in Australia and New Zealand, where home bakers prize them as teatime staples. The signature jam-filled center adds a bright, colorful burst of flavor that complements the rich buttery base. Similar cookies appear across Europe, appearing as traditional treats during holidays and family gatherings.

Traditional thumbprint cookies filled with raspberry jam, representing the origins of this classic treat
Classic thumbprint cookies inspired by Swedish tradition, filled with raspberry jam

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do jam drops come from?

Jam drops originated from British baking traditions, spreading to Australia and New Zealand where they’ve become iconic homemade biscuits. The thumbprint style has historical parallels in many European countries dating back to the 1800s.

How to make jam drops recipe?

Jam drops are made by creaming butter and sugar, adding egg and vanilla, folding in flour, rolling dough balls, making an indent, filling with jam, and baking until golden. The detailed recipe above offers step-by-step guidance.

Can you freeze jam drops?

Yes, both the raw dough and baked biscuits (without jam) freeze well. Store dough tightly wrapped and thaw in the fridge before baking. Freeze baked biscuits in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion

Jam drops are a perfect blend of simple ingredients and joyful flavors, making them a timeless treat across generations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe brings ease and deliciousness to your kitchen. Their buttery richness paired with sweet jam never fails to delight, making them ideal for sharing or indulging on a quiet afternoon. Bake this nostalgic recipe today, and let these charming biscuits bring warmth and smiles to your home and everyone you share them with.

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