Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) Recipe

Buttery, delicate, and beautifully nostalgic, Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) are the kind of treat that transforms a simple afternoon into a special occasion. These classic Eastern European cookies feature melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, a lively pop of fruit preserves (lingonberry jam if you’re going for tradition!), and a generous snow of powdered sugar. Their charming “peekaboo” centers show off the jewel-toned filling, making them as stunning on the table as they are delicious with a cup of tea. If you love cookies that hit the perfect sweet spot between pretty and satisfyingly homey, give Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) a try—you might just find a new family favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a true magic to this recipe’s ingredient list: every item is familiar, but together, they create a cookie that’s rich, crumbly, and just sweet enough. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each is absolutely essential for Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki).

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie, giving Zirochki their sturdy yet tender structure, so be sure to measure carefully for the perfect texture.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for the signature melt-in-your-mouth crumb; room temperature butter ensures even mixing and luxurious flavor.
• Large eggs: Eggs act as a binder and add a little richness, helping your cookies hold their shape as they bake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough, creating a lovely contrast with the jam filling.
• Baking soda: Gives a barely-there lift, so the cookies stay tender without puffing excessively.
• White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for perfect lightness; don’t worry, you won’t taste it!
• Liquid honey: Adds subtle floral notes and a touch of golden color while enhancing the cookie’s stick-to-your-teeth appeal (in the best way).
• Jam or thick preserves: Go classic with lingonberry—or swap in raspberry, apricot, or blackcurrant for your own twist. Just pick something boldly flavored and not too runny.
• Powdered sugar: That essential fluffy snowcap on each Zirochki, finishing them with a sweet, festive touch.

How to Make Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki)

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Gather Tools

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies will lift cleanly after baking. Though you won’t preheat the oven quite yet, make sure your ingredients are all at room temperature—this little step makes a world of difference in the texture of your Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki).

Step 2: Create the Magic Crumb Mixture

In a roomy bowl, combine flour with softened butter. Now comes the fun part: use your hands to rub the butter into the flour, working until you achieve that perfect “coarse sand” texture. This is the secret to those tender, melt-away cookies!

Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture turns a creamy pale yellow and looks beautifully thick. This aerates the dough and ensures every Jam Filled Sandwich Cookie (Zirochki) has a delicate, beautiful crumb.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Gently fold the egg and sugar mixture into your flour-butter crumbs using a spatula. The goal is to combine just until no dry streaks remain—overmixing is the enemy of shortbread, so go easy here.

Step 5: Add Leavening and Honey

Stir baking soda and vinegar together in a little dish (it’ll bubble up like a science experiment!), then add this, along with honey, into your dough. Stir until the mixture transforms into a soft, uniform mass that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 6: Rest the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This rest period allows the flour to hydrate fully and the butter to chill ever so slightly, which makes rolling and cutting a breeze. Now you can preheat your oven to 350˚F.

Step 7: Roll and Cut

Divide your dough into four pieces—this makes it easier to handle. Take one portion (keeping the others wrapped), and dust your work surface liberally with flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness for perfect bite-size cookies. Use a cookie cutter (a classic fluted round looks lovely, but have fun with shapes!) to cut out as many cookies as possible. Gather up and reroll scraps as needed.

Step 8: Make the Signature Peekaboo Centers

For half your cut-out cookies, punch a small hole (about 1/3 inch) in the middle—think of these as the “windows” that show off the jam. Remember, the holes shrink a touch as they bake, so don’t be too timid here.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place cookies onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until just barely golden at the edges. They should still be pale and soft when you take them out; they firm up as they cool. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Step 10: Fill and Sandwich

Once fully cooled, it’s time for the best part! Spread a generous spoonful of jam on the flat side of each whole (uncut) cookie, then gently press a cookie with a hole on top to create a sandwich. Don’t press too hard—you want that lovely jam to peek through, not ooze out.

Step 11: Finish with Powdered Sugar

For that beautiful wintry look, dip both sides of each finished sandwich into a bowl of powdered sugar until thickly coated. It’s the finishing flourish that makes your Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) truly magical.

How to Serve Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki)

Garnishes

Sometimes the simplest touches offer the most delight. Dust your Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) with another light layer of powdered sugar just before serving, or scatter a few edible flowers or fresh mint leaves around the platter for a celebratory vibe. If you’re feeling fancy, a teensy dot of extra jam in each cookie’s window gives them restaurant-style polish.

Side Dishes

Pairing is everything when serving these nostalgic cookies. Classic black tea or freshly brewed coffee makes a lovely, cozy pairing, amplifying the buttery crumb and fruity sparkle. For a festive spread, serve the cookies alongside a little bowl of berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a modern twist on tradition.

Creative Ways to Present

Style your Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) stacked on a tiered dessert stand or nestled in a basket lined with parchment for a charming, rustic feel. You can also arrange them in a circle with a bowl of extra jam in the center, inviting guests to dip or slather as they please. For gift giving, tuck cookies into a pretty tin with sheets of wax paper—irresistible for holidays or special moments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep beautifully! Simply store Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Separate layers with wax or parchment paper to protect their delicate shapes and keep the powdered sugar from clumping.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your assembled sandwich cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment between. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving—just resist the urge to microwave, as that softens the delicate crumb too much.

Reheating

Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) are best enjoyed at room temperature and don’t require reheating. If they’ve been stored in the freezer and feel a little too cold or firm, just let them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before serving. A fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar will restore their just-made magic!

FAQs

What kind of jam works best for Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki)?

Thick, flavorful jams or preserves—like lingonberry, raspberry, or apricot—work beautifully. Just avoid anything too runny or watery, as you want the jam to stay put in the center and provide a bright, punchy flavor.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) up to 48 hours ahead—simply wrap tightly in plastic and store in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before rolling for easiest handling.

Why is there vinegar in the recipe?

The vinegar activates the baking soda, giving the cookies a little lift without affecting the flavor. This small but important step keeps Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) light and tender rather than dense.

My dough is sticky—what should I do?

If your dough gets a bit sticky as you work, just dust your rolling surface and hands with more flour. Working with smaller dough portions, as the recipe suggests, also keeps things manageable and less messy.

How do I keep the cookies from over-browning?

Since these cookies bake quickly, keep a close eye on them starting around the 5 minute mark. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven runs hot, and remember: Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) should be just barely golden, not browned.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a dash of delight to your next gathering or simply crave a nostalgic treat, Jam Filled Sandwich Cookies (Zirochki) are the answer. The process is joyful, the results are stunning, and every bite promises that buttery, jammy magic. Why not make a batch and share them with someone you love?

Print