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Soft Jam Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 1 review

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 53 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars (4x4 grid from an 8-inch square pan)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightfully soft and buttery jam shortbread bars featuring a tender crumb topped with your favorite jam. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, ideal for teatime or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Shortbread Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1¼ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Topping

  • ½ heaping cup jam, preserves, or jelly of your choice

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and light brown sugar by beating on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  3. Add egg and lemon zest: Incorporate the egg and optional lemon zest by stirring on low speed to combine evenly. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
  4. Mix dry ingredients in: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir on low speed just until the dough comes together into moist clumps. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Reserve and spread dough: Reserve about 1/3 cup of the dough for topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan using barely moistened fingertips to prevent sticking.
  6. Add jam layer: Spread the ½ heaping cup of your favorite jam evenly over the pressed dough base.
  7. Top with reserved dough bits: Using moistened fingers, break the reserved 1/3 cup dough into small ¼-inch pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the jam layer.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, checking around 38 minutes. Bake until the edges are set and the top is lightly golden.
  9. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving to attain the perfect soft texture.

Notes

  • Use barely moistened fingers when pressing and topping the dough to prevent sticking without adding extra moisture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep the shortbread tender and crumbly.
  • Choose jams with your favorite flavors like raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for variety.
  • Cooling completely is important to let the bars set properly for clean cutting.
  • The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/soft-jam-shortbread-bars-recipe/