The Easiest Jam-Filled Christmas Shortbread Cookie Recipe: 5 Ingredients, Festive Fun!

If there’s one recipe that brings back the joy of baking as a child, it’s these jammy shortbread cookies. With only five simple ingredients, these Christmas cookies are so fun and easy to make, especially during the holiday season. I remember spending hours in the kitchen with my Auntie Pearl, baking batches of shortbread (and making a mess of course). These cookies are my version of those cookies, now with a fun Christmas twist—gingerbread man cutouts and delicious fruity jam!

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookies

Not only are these cookies adorable, but they’re also incredibly easy to make with just five ingredients. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread pairs perfectly with a sweet jam filling. Plus, they look like little jam-filled gingerbread men, which is sure to be a hit at any festive gathering!

What You’ll Need

To make this shortbread cookie recipe, you only need basic ingredients you probably already have on hand:

• Salted Butter – Gives that classic shortbread flavor, adding a subtle hint of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies without overpowering the delicate buttery taste.
• Plain Flour – Forms the base of the dough for a light, tender texture.
• Jam – Any flavor works, but I love a good strawberry or raspberry jam for a bright, festive color.
• Icing Sugar – A light dusting adds a snowy touch that’s perfect for Christmas!

Essential Equipment

To achieve the fun gingerbread shape, you’ll need two cookie cutters — one large gingerbread man cutter for the base and one smaller cutter to create a window on half of the cookies. This little peek-a-boo design lets the jam shine through for a super cute, festive effect.

How to Make This Jam-Filled Christmas Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan) or 350°F, and line a large baking sheet or cookie sheet with baking paper to prevent sticking.

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and flour. Mix until it all comes together, then press the dough into a ball. It’s a simple dough that’s perfect for making with kids or on a cozy baking day.

Step 2: Roll It Out

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, then roll out the dough to about 5mm thick. If the dough feels sticky, add a touch more flour to your surface and rolling pin.

Step 3: Cut Out the Shapes

Using the large gingerbread man cutter, cut out as many shapes as you can from the rolled dough. Then, with the smaller gingerbread man cutter, cut a shape from the middle of half of the cookies. These will be the top cookies that show off the jam.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Use a large spatula to pick up the cookies and carefully place them onto your lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Re-roll any scraps of dough to make as many cookies as possible.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to ensure they’re firm enough to handle.

Step 6: Assemble and Dust with Icing Sugar

Once the cookies are cooled, dust the top cookies (the ones with the cutout) with icing sugar for a snowy effect. Then spread a thin layer of jam on the bottom cookies and gently press the cutout cookies on top to create a little sandwich.

Enjoy Your Festive Cookies

Your jam-filled Christmas shortbread cookies are now ready to serve. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or keeping a few for yourself (because I don’t blame you), they’re the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup.

So gather your ingredients, get your cookie cutters, and let’s get baking!